Understanding Asthma
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Video Description:More than 20 million Americans have some form of the disease known as asthma. Get the basics on this common condition.
Transcript:More than 20 million Americans suffer from the condition known as asthma. But what exactly is this disease? Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which a person’s airways become narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. There is currently no cure for this disease. Asthma is typically characterized by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. When allergens or environmental factors cause a spike in these symptoms, it is known as an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the large airways…called bronchi…react to a trigger, like an allergen, with contracting spasms. The bronchi inflame and produce mucus, further narrowing the airways and leading to the symptoms of asthma. Attacks may last just a few minutes, or can linger over several days. Symptoms can usually be relieved using asthma medications, but may also dissipate naturally in mild attacks. Asthma is not new. In fact, it made its first appearance in The Iliad, where the poet and author Homer coined the term from the Greek word for “sharp breath.” Centuries later, in 450 B.C., the philosopher Hippocrates used the term to describe breathing difficulties and spasms that he had observed in tailors, anglers, and metalworkers. Today, doctors agree that there is a strong genetic component to asthma. However, it takes more than genetics to make a person have an attack. Environmental triggers are necessary, as well. There are many different theories about which stimuli can cause asthma, among them: early-childhood infections, chemical exposure through air pollution, and insufficient immune system development. Once asthma does develop, exposure to certain factors, called triggers, spur symptom flare-ups. People who experience symptoms after exposure to allergens, like dust, cat hair or even cockroach “dust,” are said to have allergic asthma. Many people with allergic asthma also react to environmental irritants like cigarette smoke. Some basic medical conditions, like colds, sinus infections and acid reflux disease, can also trigger symptoms. Vigorous physical activity and stress are other likely causes of an asthma attack. Serious attacks can be life threatening. The good news is that people with severe asthma can often overcome, or at least control, their symptoms, even excelling at sports. Just look at swimmer Mark Spitz, who held the record for the most gold medals won in a single Olympics… despite his asthma! And fellow asthma sufferer Jerome Bettis, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was a popular NFL running back. While asthma can be life-altering, with proper treatment, people living with the condition can lead very full, normal lives. If you or your child is suffering from breathing difficulties characteristic of asthma, please see your doctor immediately!
Category:Lung Health/Asthma
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