Saturday, March 31, 2012

Asthma








Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Symptoms of Asthma are recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning. They tend to react strongly to certain substances that are breathed in. As a result muscles around them tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways may make more mucus than normal. Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow airways. About 12 percent of children (< 18 years) and 8 percent of pregnant women have asthma.
Its diagnosis is usually made based on the pattern of symptoms and/or response to therapy over time. In 2009 asthma caused 250,000 deaths globally.

Types of Asthma:

Allergic Asthma
Intrinsic Asthma
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Nocturnal Asthma
Occupational Asthma
Steroid-Resistant Asthma