Asthma
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Information - Asthma
Asthma is a chronic and common inflammatory disease of the airways. If you have asthma, the airways of your lungs swell, narrow and produce extra mucus. Some patients have minor asthma that’s managed with occasional use of an inhaler, while others may need daily medication or experience a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma Symptoms
The exact cause of asthma is not known, but experts believe it’s due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Asthma runs in families, so it's very common if one family member has asthma, that others will have it. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be successfully treated. Asthma symptoms include episodes of:
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
Some people experience asthma flare-ups in certain situations. Exercise-induced asthma may be worse when the air is dry and cold. Workplace irritants as fumes and gases can cause occupational asthma. If you have allergy-induced asthma, irritants such as pet dander, smoke, and perfume may cause symptoms. Many children who have asthma will outgrow the condition, although in more severe cases, it can be a lifelong condition. If you think you have asthma, see your physician for an exam to rule out other conditions such as respiratory infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Diagnosis & Treatment of Asthma
Your physician may perform lung (pulmonary) function tests such as spirometry or peak flow to diagnose your asthma. Asthma treatment includes using a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, during a flare-up. Long-term asthma control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers are often required to manage your condition. Massage therapy can also help treat the muscles of the chest, the intercostals of the ribs and the muscles of the thoracic spine to provide more mobility and flexibility, which improves lung expansion. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider after diagnosis to monitor and manage your asthma.
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Some patients have minor asthma that’s managed with occasional use of an inhaler, while others may need daily medication or experience a life-threatening asthma attack.
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The exact cause of asthma is not known, but experts believe it’s due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Asthma runs in families, so it's very common if one family member has asthma, that others will have it.
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Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
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Many children who have asthma will outgrow the condition, although in more severe cases, it can be a lifelong condition.
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Your physician may perform lung (pulmonary) function tests such as spirometry or peak flow to diagnose your asthma.
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Asthma treatment includes using a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, during a flare-up. Long-term asthma control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers are often required to manage your condition.