What Causes Asthma - What Causes Asthma?

Our body needs oxygen from the air we breathe in order for the cells to function properly. When we breathe in air, oxygen, enters through the mouth or nose, and passes through the windpipe, to tubes called the bronchi. The bronchi branches out into each lung where oxygen is picked up by passing blood. The blood then carries the oxygen to all the body parts.

Asthma is a kind of disease where the air channel gets blocked, the chest feels crammed and the patient is incapable to breathe. Asthma attack varies from person to person and the attack also has its variations. For some of them it may be a placid attack and for some it may be a really strong attack that could last for few minutes. Treatment of asthma can be classified into two categories: long-term control and quick-relief medications.

For a number of reasons, what happens during an asthma attack is that the bronchial tubes become narrow, or even blocked. As a result, air cannot get in or out of the lungs easily, and the person begins to breathe heavily, wheezes or coughs. There are two causes why the bronchus narrows: either because they are compressed by muscles from the outside or because they are blocked by mucus and swelling inside the bronchial tubes.

The condition when bronchi are blocked by squeezing is called "Bronchi constriction." This happens when the muscles contracts, tightens and blocks the air passage. It is normal for these muscles to irregularly close the airway. But in asthmatics these muscles from time to time overreact, become agitated and tighten or obstruct the bronchi.

For many years, bronchi constriction was regarded as the main cause of asthma. Recent studies show that another problem that aggravates asthma is Bronchial Inflammation. This happens when the walls of the bronchi swell up and produce mucus, in reaction to some kind of an irritation. Often running or walking at a very high speed, dust, dirt and grim, alcohol and smoking also trigger asthma attack.

Places which are located at a higher altitude also have any effect on people who suffer from asthma. Since the air is saturated in hilly regions so often people may get an attack. Even in very cold countries people find it hard to breathe during snow storm especially people suffering from this ailment.

It is normal for the bronchi to produce mucus in order to catch breathed-in irritants, and protect the lungs. But some asthmatics can produce an excess of mucus, and the bronchi can become chronically inflamed, resulting in blocked airways and asthmatic symptoms.

So there are two probable conditions connected with an asthmatic's airways, bronchi constriction and bronchial inflammation. In fact it is broadly believed that the more an airway is swollen, the more likely it is that the bronchial muscles will contract.

Asthma attacks can be very terrifying and there is often panic. Although there are varying degrees of the disease, it can be life intimidating. If the attack is generally mild, we may have a routine of medications, such as an inhaler that is kept on the person at all times. For a more serious attack we need to talk to our doctor about keeping an inject able bronchodilator in the house.

• Emma Bullock
• 08/05/2009, 12:59 PM
• 0 Comments