Is Asthma Fatal
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 238, Word Count: 631,
Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by swelling of the airways in the lungs and by the shudder of muscles surrounding these airways. Inflammation occurs when aggravated tissues swell and create extra mucus, creating a state known as bronchoconstriction. The combination of the two could cause restriction of or total blockage of the airways and could kick off symptoms of an asthma attack. These symptoms could include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Is asthma fatal or not can be understood by reading further.
Causes of Asthma and Asthma Attacks
No obvious cause of asthma is known, but several risk factors have been related to triggering asthma attacks. People are more likely to have asthma if there is a family history of the disease. Numerous environmental and biological factors could set off an asthma attack. Allergy plays an important role in about half of all asthma cases.
The body releases chemicals which produce conditions associated with an attack after exposure to an allergen. Common allergens in the environment are dust mites, pollen, cockroaches, molds, bacteria, animal dander and animal hair. Allergens also might originate from food and food additives. Certain studies have also revealed that common additives like monosodium glutamate could cause an asthma attack.
Deep, fast breathing during exercise could also trigger an asthma attack. Though breathing might become uncomfortable and difficult, exercise still benefits an asthmatic’s health on the whole. By taking correct steps to avoid an attack, most asthmatics could fully partake in physical activities. Studies illustrate that breathing cold air could lead to the swelling of airways. Other weather conditions, such as rain and wind also create problems. Wind distributes other allergens and pollen into the air and rain could increase mold and pollen levels.
Is Asthma Fatal?
According to a study, an estimated twenty million American citizens have asthma. Every year asthma accounts for 485,000 hospitalizations and 2 million emergency department visits and roughly 4,500 people die. Though asthma is not presently curable, changes in lifestyle and appropriate medication could lessen the severity and frequency of asthma attacks.
Things to do for Controlling Asthma
You need to see your physician for diagnosis and medical advice about your asthma condition. Other steps that could be taken to control asthma attacks are:
- Keep your house clean and properly maintain heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems by frequently changing filters and cleaning humidifiers. You must use high efficiency particle filters to eliminate particles from indoor environment.
- Avoid the use of pesticides in your house. Instead, avoid pests by removing food and water sources which attract them and block the openings they use to get into the home. If pests get into your house, use nonchemical methods of control such as traps whenever possible.
- Relative humidity in the house must be kept at less than 60%. If you use humidifiers in the house, change the water daily and clean the tank weekly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Try to remove animals from home and if this is not possible, bathe and groom pets on a regular basis.
Is asthma fatal or not could be determined by the above explanation and taking proper care of yourself and your surroundings is recommended.
About the Author
Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy.
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