Every time I come, I take your breath away. -Asthma.
Asthma is a condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swell and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. It is very common in India and affects over 10 million people every year. According to WHO, about 50% of the cases are due to genetic susceptibility and the other half are due to various environmental triggers.
Asthma is a chronic condition which can last for several years or a lifetime. Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be prevented and regulated by various measures like medications, regular consultations, and bronchodilators. Self-care is of utmost importance when it comes to taking care of one’s asthma.
The signs and symptoms of asthma are quite evident and similar for everyone. Listed below are the possible signs and symptoms:
- Chronic dry and severe cough, especially during physical activity and at night.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Short and rapid breaths.
- Shortness of breath.
- Constant respiratory infections and irritation.
- Chest tightness.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Anxiety. (In some cases)
As we mentioned earlier, there are certain things/factors that can trigger asthma. They are as follows:
- Changing/Extreme weather conditions.
- Fever and other kinds of illnesses.
- Cold and cough.
- Allergens like dust, smoke pollens, pet dander,etc.
- Toxic substances.
- Certain food additives.
- Vigorous exercise.
Asthma triggers can vary from person to person and can be well identified and explained by an allergist.
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