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Asthma

Written by Robert A Wilson

Friday, 16 February 2007

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Asthma, also called reactive airway disease (RAD), is a reaction affecting the muscles of the air passages, causing them to narrow and make breathing difficult. This narrowing is called bronchoconstriction. In addition to the spasm of muscles that narrows the airways, there is also swelling of the mucus membranes and the build-up of thick mucus in the air passages, which can cause blockage. An asthma attack can be brought on by one of many triggers. It varies for different people but common triggers include pollens, dust, animal dander, molds, feathers, emotional upset, exercise, extremes of humidity, cold air, air pollution, cigarette or other smoke, certain food additives and some medications. In very young children, asthma is most often triggered by a viral infection. Asthma may only flare up during a certain pollen season or only with exercise. Children with asthma may have other allergies also. Asthma is not a contagious disease.

Symptoms may include:

Wheezing (a high-pitched sound made when breathing out)
Tight feeling in the chest, difficulty breathing, or attacks of coughing, especially at night
Attacks that may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days
There is normally no fever

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