Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition whereby there is inflammation and narrowing of the airways to the lungs, making a patient develop difficulty in breathing. While it affects people of all ages, it often starts in childhood. Asthmatic symptoms manifest in the form of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and chronic coughing. Coughing is persistent at night or in the early morning hours. Asthma can occur at any age, but its common diagnosis age is during childhood. The initial signs of the disorder include frequent coughing usually at night, after exercise, and wheezing. The symptoms vary in severity from person to person, but they are known to manifest on an individual basis or even on a seasonal basis because they can be Allergen-induced, virus-induced, exercise-induced, or even induced by other environmental factors like smoke or pollution. Asthma is treated with a mixture of medicine and lifestyle changes. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids are prescribed in inhalers that reduce inflammation and open up passageways of airways. Equally important in keeping asthma under control is staying away from known asthma attack triggers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With proper management of the disease, asthmatic patients can lead very active full lives. Regular follow-up with the doctor, adherence to the prescribed medication, and monitoring symptoms help to keep the condition under good control. Most asthma patients can have a good quality of life and confinement of their symptoms to a minor role in daily life with proper management.