In children it will only start abruptly as cough but with wheezing, and usually is worsen at morning or during night-time. If these common signs appear in your children maybe we can consider that your child may have asthma. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) between 100 and 150 million people suffer asthma worldwide, and incidence rises everyday.
Asthma is a long-term lung disease that tapers and inflames the airways; these are air pipes that carry oxygen inside and outside of the lungs. People who have asthma are triggered with allergen, such as dust mites, pollens, molds and etc. When these allergens trigger a person with asthma, this situation can make the airways hypersensitive and swollen. Moreover, it will tend to react and tighten the muscles in the airways. After which, it will narrow the airway causing less airflow into the lungs. This is the reason why people who are suffering from asthma attack, experiences shortness of breath. It will always be a chain reaction for people who have asthma; this will happen every time it is triggered. Asthma can occur at any age, but is more common in children than in adults. Usually the first common cause of asthma is familial tendencies, it means when your family has a history of asthma, it is most likely that you may acquire asthma as well.
People with asthma will experience better and worse periods, depending on the severity of the attacks. There are times where in asthma symptoms are mild and head off on their own or after nominal treatment with an asthma medicine. But there are times where symptoms continue to get worse, and could be fatal. That is why it is very important to treat the symptoms when you first notice them, so as to prevent from getting worse.
The usual signs and symptoms that may appear to persons who have asthma, that you might want to take note of are, severe or recurrent wheezing, evening coughs, cough that lasts more than 10 days, and chest tightness during episodes of cough. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions so when you experience them it doesn't necessarily mean that you have asthma, it is best to seek medical advice first before jumping off to a conclusion.
Usually when you visit your doctor for a check up, before diagnosing you of having asthma, usually the doctor will ask you a couple of questions about your family history and present and past health history. The physician will utilize a stethoscope to auscultate your lungs, for the presence of wheezing. However, the sounds coming from the lungs are usually normal amid asthma attacks. That is why the doctor usually asks for some laboratory tests like chest X-ray, blood tests, and lung function tests.
The treatment in asthma is aimed on avoiding some allergens that may trigger asthma attack, and controlling the attack. There are two kinds of treatment one is long-term medication are usually used on regular basis so as to prevent attacks, such as inhaled steroids. The second kind of treatment is a short treatment or a quick relief medication that are used to alleviate indications during an attack, these includes short-acting bronchodilators like Proventil and Ventolin.
Asthma is incurable, it will always have a dormant stage, where in you feel fine and may flare up at any time. However with the knowledge and innovative treatment for asthma the situation can be controlled. Persons who have asthma can live a normal life, just by being cautious for the symptoms for impending attacks and immediately treating it, is just the best way for not making the situation worst.
For more information about Disease, Symptoms and Diagnosis, please visit: Asthma Signs and Symptoms and Asthma Diagnosis.