Asthma
What is Asthma?
Asthma affects the airways in the lungs which are used for carrying oxygen to the lungs. When an individual who suffers from asthma comes across a trigger of their asthma the muscles in the airways tighten leading to the airways becoming narrower and the inflamed airways swelling. Occasionally asthmatics may produce excessive mucus or phlegm resulting in the airways narrowing further. This can all result in the individual not being able to breathe properly.
What Causes Asthma?
The exact cause of asthma is difficult to say, however it has been found that the likelihood of developing the condition is higher if you have a family history of asthma, eczema or allergies. Family history is usually combined with environmental factors which can lead to the condition developing.
Environmental factors likely to impact the likelihood of developing the condition can include numerous changes for example changes in housing or diets are found to impact the development of the condition. Also environmental pollution has been found to worsen asthma symptoms and is thought to play a key role in the development of asthma.
Research has also highlighted how smoking during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of the child developing asthma, this is also true for children whose parents smoke.
It is common for occupational asthma to develop in adults; this is when the sufferer develops a viral infection in the workplace and subsequently develops asthma.
What are the Symptoms of Asthma?
Symptoms of asthma usually include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest.
What is the Treatment for Asthma?
Further Information
Asthma UK provides key information on asthma in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Information sheets are provided on:
- What is Asthma?
- What causes Asthma?
- Triggers
- Impact on lifestyle
- Treatment- steroids and tablets
- Controlling asthma
- Monitoring
- Asthma attacks
- Complementary therapies
- Pregnancy
- Further information
Asthma UK also provides an option where by you can ring and speak to a respiratory nurse in your desired language; therefore if you have any questions or worries about the condition refer to the link below for the number and procedure to speak to a respiratory nurse in an alternative language.
(information obtained from Asthma.org.uk)