What Causes Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs marked by wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and/or shortness of breath. Millions of Americans report having asthma or asthma related symptoms.

Signs/symptoms of Asthma:

• Excessive coughing while exercising or following exercise
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing while breathing
• Colds that tend to go to the chest
• A tight feeling in the chest

Chronic coughing Asthma symptoms are caused by the tightening of the muscles and swelling/ irritation of the airways. These symptoms make it difficult and sometimes impossible to breathe.

It is important for you to consult an allergist and uncover the causes of your symptoms. Research shows that early treatment of allergies actually reduces the development of Asthma in children by 50%! So it’s important to see an allergist when you first start experiencing problems.

Triggers of Asthma:

There are multiple triggers of Asthma. Allergens, irritants, respiratory infections or exercise can trigger asthma symptoms. In treating any type of Asthma it is vital to identify what your “triggers” are because swelling in the airway can still be there even when you are not experiencing symptoms.

The Following are types of Asthma and their trigger’s :

• Seasonal asthma: Characterized by allergic reactions to trees, grasses or weeds.
• Non-allergic asthma: Triggered by irritants in the air that you breathe such as tobacco smoke, wood smoke, room deodorizers, fresh paint, perfume, etc.
• Allergic asthma: Characterized by allergic reactions to allergens such as dust mite, dust or pet dander, or pollen.
• Exercise-induced asthma: physical activity or exercise.
• Nocturnal asthma: symptoms increase or are worse at night.