Asthma
Asthma is a constant inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) that cause narrowing and swelling (constriction) of the airways. Difficulty in breathing is the result. The bronchial narrowing is either total or at least partially reversible with treatments.

Bronchial tubes that are chronically inflamed may become overly sensitive to allergens (specific triggers) or irritants (nonspecific triggers). The airways may become "twitchy" and remain in a state of heightened sensitivity. This is called "bronchial hyper reactivity" (BHR). It is likely that there is a spectrum of bronchial hyper reactivity in all individuals. However, it is clear that asthmatics and allergic individuals (without apparent asthma) have a greater degree of bronchial hyper reactivity than nonasthmatic and nonallergic people. In sensitive individuals, the bronchial tubes are more likely to swell and constrict when exposed to triggers such as allergens, tobacco smoke, or exercise. Amongst asthmatics, some may have mild BHR and no symptoms while others may have severe BHR and chronic symptoms.

Asthma affects people distinctly different. Each individual is unique in their degree of reactivity to environmental triggers. This influences the type and dose of medication prescribed, which may vary from one individual to another.

Which triggers cause an asthma attack
Asthma symptoms may be activated or worsened by many factors. Not all asthmatics react the same. Moreover, the effect that each trigger has on the lungs varies from one individual to another. The severity of your asthma depends on how many agents activate your symptoms and how sensitive your lungs are to them. Most of these triggers can also worsen nasal or eye symptoms.

Triggers fall into two categories

• Allergens ("specific")
• Nonallergens -- mostly irritants (nonspecific)

Once your bronchial tubes (nose and eyes) become inflamed from an allergic exposure, a re-exposure to the offending allergens will often activate symptoms. These "reactive" bronchial tubes might also respond to other triggers, such as exercise, infections, and other irritants. The following is a simple checklist.

Common Asthma Triggers:

Allergens

• "Seasonal" pollens
• Year-round dust mites, molds, pets, and insect parts
• Foods, such as fish,cow’s milk,egg,nuts,peanuts and soy
• Additives, such as sulfites
• Work-related agents, such as latex

Allergy fact
About 50% of adults and 80% of children with asthma also have allergies.

Irritants

• Respiratory infections, such as those caused by viral "colds," bronchitis and sinusitis
• Drugs, such as aspirin, other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs), and beta blockers (used to treat blood pressure and other heart conditions)
• Tobacco smoke
• Outdoor factors, such as smog, weather changes, and diesel fumes
• Indoor factors, such as paint, detergents, deodorants, chemicals, and perfumes
• Nighttime
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder)
• Exercise, especially under cold dry conditions
• Work-related factors, such as chemicals, dusts, gases, and metals
• Emotional factors, such as laughing, crying, yelling, and distress
• Hormonal factors, such as in premenstrual syndrome

   

  
  

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