- Airway obstruction that is reversible either spontaneously or with treatment
- Airway inflammation
- Increased airway responsiveness to a variety of stimuli
- Airway remodeling
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According to the National Institutes of Health, asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by: |
| What is Asthma? The main function of the lungs is to help us breathe. Inside the lungs, we have the "bronchial tree" or airways. These airways look similar to the large and small branches of a regular tree. Their purpose is to carry oxygen to the air sacs (alveoli) and remove the body's waste gas, carbon dioxide. When you have asthma, airway inflammation and swelling cause the airways to be overly sensitive. As the inflammation increases, the airways become more sensitive and overactive. Often described as the feeling of a 'fish out of water' one could imitate the feeling of asthma by running on the spot for 2 minutes, then blocking one's nose and trying to breathe through a straw. During an asthma episode, the mucus-producing cells within the airway increase their output and mucus plugs the airway. The combination of airway narrowing, mucus plugging, and airway inflammation can block portions of the airway entirely. Air becomes trapped in the alveoli (air sacs at the end of the bronchioles). This trapped air cannot provide for the proper exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Trapped air leads to hypoxia (low oxygen content) in the body. The hypoxia leads to a feeling of 'air hunger' and subsequent panic. Asthma is a frightening disease as episodes or 'attacks' sometimes feel as if they come from nowhere, leading the asthmatic to feel uneasy in new situations or surroundings. Asthma is neither a contagious disease nor a psychological disease. Scientific studies show that bronchial (airway) inflammation is present in all asthmatics, even if they do not have symptoms. Not recognizing the severity of the asthma episode places you at higher risk because treatment is often delayed. Asthma is a chronic disease. People with chronic illnesses are more likely to have problems with depression and despair if they do not learn how to cope effectively. You are at higher risk if you have difficulty accepting your asthma and its treatment. Although asthma is not curable, it usually can be well-controlled. An asthma treatment plan can be created through your corporation with your health care team and your family. This requires open communication focusing on what is necessary to control asthma and the goals of both you and your family. For further information on Asthma, please visit some of our favorite sites - and remember to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or suspect you may have asthma. | ||
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