Asthma is caused by inflammation or swelling of the airways. The lining of the airways expands and the muscles surrounding the airways tighten during an asthma attack. The volume of air that may move through the airway is reduced as a result. India accounts for 11.1 percent of the global asthma burden and over 42% of asthma-related deaths, making it the world’s asthma capital. Respiratory viral infections are the primary cause of asthma aggravations. The causes behind asthma can vary from person to person. However, one thing is certain: when airways come into contact with a trigger, they become irritated, narrowed, and mucus-filled.
Asthma triggers
When you experience an asthma attack, your airways narrow, making breathing difficult. Your body may experience shortness of breath, wheezing or cough as it tries to expel mucus. It’s critical to know your asthma triggers if you or a loved one suffers from the condition. You can take appropriate action to avoid them once you have identified them. As a result, your asthma attacks will be less frequent and less severe. Some of the most common asthma triggers include:
- Animals (pet hair or dander).
- Dust mites.
- Certain medicines.
- Changes in weather.
- Chemicals in the air or in food.
- Physical activity.
- Food and food additives.
- Pollen.
- Respiratory infections or allergies.
- Stress.
- Tobacco smoke.
Allergies and Asthma
Pollens from trees, grass, and weeds; mould; animal dander; dust mites; and cockroach droppings cause allergies in 80% of patients with asthma. Children with high amounts of cockroach droppings in their homes were four times more likely than children with low levels to develop childhood asthma, according to one study.
Food Additives and Asthma
Food allergies can range from minor to severe and even life-threatening asthma attacks. If you have food allergies, asthma can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening reaction. Eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish and seafood, food preservatives, and other foods are commonly linked to allergic asthma.
Exercise and Asthma
A rigorous workout can cause airways to constrict in a majority of asthma patients. Exercising is a common asthma trigger. Exercise-induced asthma causes chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing within the first 5 to 15 minutes of an aerobic workout, and can last for hours.
Smoking and Asthma
People who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing asthma. If you have asthma, smoking can aggravate symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of wheezing in the baby. If you have asthma and smoke, the most important thing you can do to protect your lungs is to quit.
Asthma care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Do you suffer from asthma? People with severe asthma are more likely to have life-threatening and chronic symptoms. Severe asthma negatively impacts the health and quality of life for individuals and their families. Although not curable, asthma is treatable. Consult highly trained best pulmonologists at our Department of Pulmonary Medicine for managing your asthma symptoms. Our team works with each patient and provides them with a personalised asthma management plan. When asthma symptoms are appropriately treated and an emergency action plan is in place, patients can lead a regular, healthy lifestyle. Below is our website link for further information on Asthma care: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine/asthma.html