What You Need To Know About Asthma Asthma is a severe respiratory illness that makes breathing difficult. The irritation in the airways leadsto swollen, narrow air passages. Many asthmatics suffer from a distinct wheezing, shortness of breathand tightening of the chest. Although there is no cure for asthma, steps can be taken to preventattacks and the symptoms of the disease can be treated. A bronchodilator is used to relax the airways in the lungs, leading to dilation of the airways and easierbreathing. Fast-acting inhalers are used to improve the symptoms of an asthma attack that is alreadyin progress. They relieve the bronchospasms that make breathing difficult. Long-actingbronchodilators are not intended to treat sudden asthma attacks. They take longer to work and areused to help prevent the symptoms of asthma for an extended period of time. Leukotriene inhibitors are taken daily and reduce the symptoms of persistent asthma. In manypatients, Leukotrienes help prevent some acute asthma attacks, relieve nighttime allergy and asthmasymptoms and reduce the symptoms of asthma brought on by allergens. Leukotriene inhibitors arenot used to treat sudden asthma attacks. Many asthma sufferers are allergic to animals. Severe allergic reactions increase the likelihood thatan asthma attack will occur. To avoid an allergy induced asthma attack, it is best to remove animalsfrom the living space of asthmatics. At the very least, the animal should be kept away from thepatients bedroom. Humidity in the air can trigger an asthma attack. Humidity can also bother asthmatics due to theincrease of dust mites and the improved environment for the growth of mold and fungus. Airconditioning and dehumidifiers make the air lighter and easier for asthmatics to breath. Dust mites can bring on an asthma attack so asthmatics need to be especially careful to remove thedanger. Sheets and pillowcases need to be laundered regularly. Mattress covers and pillowcasesshould be used as a barrier between the asthmatic and the dust mite collecting surfaces. Thebedroom should be decluttered and free from stuffed animals and down-filled pillows and quilts.

Infections associated with the flu can elicit an asthma attack. Asthma sufferers should get a fluvaccine each year to help prevent sudden and severe attacks. Influenza infections that affect therespiratory bronchioles are especially dangerous to asthmatics. Exercise induced asthma is a common occurrence. It is best for asthma sufferers to begin newexercise programs slowly. Always consult with a qualified physician before beginning any newexercise routine. Food allergies, air pollution and cigarette smoke are also known to trigger asthma attacks. Asthmaticsshould avoid any known food allergy and stay indoors when the smog count is extremely high.Anyone who suffers from asthma should refrain from smoking and avoid cigarette smoke wheneverpossible. Asthma is a serious disease involving the respiratory system. It is important to consult with aphysician for prolonged or worsening asthma symptoms. Although asthma can be treated, not allmedications work the same for every person. Asthma sufferers should avoid excessive physicalactivity and environmental allergens as much as possible. For more help click here