|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
• |
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes episodes of difficult breathing. |
| |
|
| |
|
• |
This is primarily due to constriction, tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, and inflammation, soreness, swelling and irritation of the airways in the lungs. |
| |
|
| |
|
| Top | |
| |
Causes |
| |
|
|
| |
The exact cause of asthma is unknown; many think the following factors act together to cause asthma or are risk factors for asthma: |
| |
|
• |
Atopy, or an inherited tendency to develop allergy |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Family history of asthma |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Contracting certain respiratory infections in early childhood |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Exposure to some airborne allergens and viral infections during early childhood as the immune system develops. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Other allergens like animal dander |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
• |
Allergic rhinitis |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
• |
Exposure to cigarette smoke |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
• |
Obesity |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
• |
Airway hyperactivity (an exaggerated airway responsiveness to various stimuli) |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| Top | |
| |
Symptoms |
| |
|
| |
|
• |
Chest tightness |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Coughing |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Shortness of breath |
| |
|
|
| |
|
• |
Wheezing |
| |
|
|
