Asthma is defined as a long-term or chronic lung condition that restricts and inflames the airways. The effects of asthma include episodes of:
- Coughing – This often strikes early in the morning or at night
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing – A squeaky or whistling sound whenever you respire
Anyone can potentially suffer from asthma. In the United States above 25 million of the population is identified to suffer from asthma and around 7 million children in this country have this condition.
In order to know how asthma affects a person, an explanation of how the airways’ function is needed. The airways are shaped like tubes and convey air to and from the lungs. Asthma inflames the airways making them very tender and swollen and they react sensitively to specific inhaled materials. The reaction of the airways automatically constricts the airways allowing less air to flow into and out of the lungs. When the airways swell up it even makes the airways much narrower. Furthermore, mucus might be produced more than normal further narrowing the airways. All these reactions will manifest the symptoms one typically sees in asthma attacks. When the airways become inflamed the asthma symptoms will become manifest.
Mild asthma attacks often resolve by themselves or go away if minimal treatment is done.
If the symptoms are severe or if there are more added symptoms that exacerbate the condition, an asthma attack often ensues. The asthma attack is also termed as an exacerbation or a flare up. Early treatment of asthma is the best way to address this condition and prevents it from becoming a flare up or exacerbation. If left untreated a severe asthma attack can become deadly.
Like most cases of chronic diseases, asthma has no known cure although some people tend to outgrow this condition when they reach adulthood. Basically, however, this disease can flare up any time when the body is exposed to asthma triggers. Regardless of how severe the asthma is, people most of the time are well prepared to manage their asthma. Early treatment can prevent the onset of symptoms. Most people who have asthma live active normal lives and are able to get pleasant sleep at night uninterrupted by any asthma attack.
Emily Farish Acupuncture
400 S. Jefferson, Suite 203
Spokane, WA 99204
Phone: 509-217-9262
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