Asthma is a chronic disease\u00a0 where the lung airways (bronchi) are inflamed.\u00a0 This causes the airways to narrow.\u00a0 An asthma attack is a when the symptoms become much worse, the smooth muscle cells in the airways constrict and are swollen, and breathing is difficult.<\/p>\n

Asthma is similar to several other inflammatory diseases of the lung, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.<\/p>\n

The inflammation in asthma is reversible, where as with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, inflammation is not considered reversible.<\/p>\n

Asthma effects the bronchi, where as with emphysema it is the alveoli which are affected.<\/p>\n

Anyone can get asthma at any age, although most people with it are afflicted early in life.<\/p>\n

Asthma Symptoms<\/h2>\n

Typical asthma symptoms include:<\/p>\n

\n
• Shortness of breath<\/li>\n
• Tightness in the chest<\/li>\n
• Coughing<\/li>\n
• Wheezing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  These symptoms vary widely from person to person and episode to episode.\u00a0 Symptoms can vary from mild through severe.\u00a0 Asthma symptoms may be problematic for some length of time, then vanish for an extended time.\u00a0 Or they may be persistent and continually troublesome.<\/p>\n

  Managing Asthma Symptoms<\/h2>\n

  There is no know cure for Asthma.\u00a0 It can be managed by avoiding the triggers that set it off, and by reducing symptoms when they occur.<\/p>\n

  Allergies are a major class of trigger for asthma symptoms.\u00a0 They tend to set off inflammation.<\/p>\n

  Other triggers, such as smoke, exercise and cold air, make symptoms worse, especially if lung airways are already inflamed.<\/p>\n

  Symptoms are also managed with medications, especially in severe cases.<\/p>\n

  Asthma Treatment<\/h2>\n

  Treatment is individual to the patient.\u00a0 Patients must work with their doctor to plan treatment that matches the patient in a variety of situations.<\/p>\n

  Wheezing and shortness of breath is usually treated with fast-acting bronchodilators, usually administered with pocket-sized, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs).\u00a0 Spacers or nebulizers may also be used, especially for patients that have difficulty using an inhaler.<\/p>\n

  Other medications include:<\/p>\n

  \n
  • Selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonists such as salbutamol (albuterol USAN), levalbuterol, terbutaline and bitolterol.\u00a0 These agents may cause side effects, especially tremors.\u00a0 Side effects are reduced when inhaled rather than ingested or injected.<\/li>\n
  • Less selective adrenergic agonists, such as inhaled epinephrine and ephedrine tablets.\u00a0 Cardiac side effects can be a problem.<\/li>\n
  • Anticholinergic medications, such as ipratropium bromide are effective, but less so than ?2<\/sub>-adrenoreceptor agonists.\u00a0 Side effects are much less than the above alternatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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