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July 11, 2025
Around 22.3 million adults, which takes up about 8.6% of the adult population, suffer from asthma around the world. Small or big activities that require excessive breathing or lung exercise may put them in great danger and are in a position where they have to be careful about their respiration. So, what exactly is asthma? How is it caused, and how do you treat it to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to your body?
Asthma, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, is a condition caused by affected airways leading to swollen airways and producing too much mucus, which tightens the muscles around airways, making it harder for them to breathe. Asthma, although it is shown in a large number of people, can range from mild symptoms to severe symptoms, which can be life-threatening. It is known to be commonly passed down through genetics, where if one parent of a close relative has asthma, the child is at a higher risk for this condition. Asthma can be caused by genetics or any type of infection in the lungs at a young age. This can be commonly known through a doctor's appointment, frequent complications in breathing, and identifying family history of asthma. Greatest risk factors, according to the Mayo clinic, are having a blood relative with asthma, any other allergic conditions, being overweight or a smoker, exposure eto secondhand smoke, exposure to exhaust fumes or other pollution, and exposure to chemicals such as those used in farming or hairdressing.
When having asthma or asthma attacks, patients will experience shortness of breath, coughing, feeling tired or weak, itchy chin or throat, tearing eyes, dark circles, stomachache, non-functioning medications, tightness in chest, wheezing when coughing, and difficulty in going about daily activities.
Although there is no exact cure for asthma, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is to follow the asthma plan prescribed by your doctor, get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia as these diseases can cause great damage to the lungs, avoid asthma triggers such as excessive exercise, flower pollen, or anything one knows about their own condition. Most importantly, it is crucial to have the inhaler handy as it will save you in emergency situations. However, it is stated that you have to track your inhaler use, as an increase in inhaler use might be a sign of worsening asthma symptoms.
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