Asthma is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. According to WHO statistics, there are over 330 million people in the world suffering from asthma. If you think you are one of them, then read this article, from which you will learn more about its symptoms and what can lead to its development. If you have been looking for information on how to treat asthma, then do not stop your search.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Early Symptoms
Step 1. Frequent cough
Frequent coughing fits may indicate that the body is trying to get rid of excess phlegm in the upper respiratory tract, caused by the influence of allergens, trigger factors of asthma.
A cough can occur at any time, but most often it makes itself felt at night when the temperature is lower
Step 2. Shortness of breath
Asthma narrows the airways, which in turn leads to the fact that you begin to lack air, that is, to the development of shortness of breath. It may be difficult for you to inhale or exhale - and this, by the way, is the reason for a visit to the doctor.
Step 3. Wheezing breathing
Of course, “wheezing breathing” is a purely everyday name, in science it is called “broncho-obstructive syndrome”. It is caused by inflammation of the airways, which causes them to narrow. Accordingly, in this case, breathing is not normal, since the air travels along narrowed and inflamed airways, which is why it goes under high pressure and creates vibrations, which we hear with wheezing. Wheezing can be heard on both inhalation and exhalation.
Step 4. Fatigue
People with asthma get tired quickly, as they receive less oxygen from the air - you yourself understand, you can't breathe much through narrowed airways. This fatigue can also cause fatigue.
Step 5. Flu-like symptoms
Asthma can have symptoms similar to those of the flu, such as nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and fever. In asthma sufferers, the body produces more mucus (a protective reflex designed to remove all irritants from the body), and it is the mucus that causes these symptoms.
Step 6. Sleep problems
Coughing and breathing problems can lead to poor quality and depth of sleep. Alas, the less and worse people sleep, the longer they have to recover.
Method 2 of 3: Late Symptoms
The symptoms of advanced asthma can be life-threatening, no kidding. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Step 1. Frighteningly loud wheezing
With the development of asthma, wheezing becomes louder and harder to tolerate. An attack can happen at any time of the day, and regardless of whether you were exposed to physical activity. In other words, remember that in this case, your airways are narrowed even more, which can be extremely dangerous.
Step 2. Chest pain
Further narrowing and inflammation of the airways will lead to feelings of stiffness and pressure, causing chest pain. Also, pain can develop in the neck area.
Step 3. Changing the ability to breathe
So, your airways are seriously narrowed, which means only one thing - the cycle "inhale-exhale" for you turns into torture. You will breathe faster, but the breaths will not be too deep - so the body will compensate for the lack of oxygen.
Step 4. Panic attacks
An asthma attack can also bring with it an attack of panic, fear, and feelings of doom. You can break out in a cold sweat, you can become dead pale. However, no wonder - your body, after all, does not receive enough oxygen! In such cases, it is helpful … you will need to go to the hospital.
Step 5. Blue nails
So, the general principle is as follows: the more inflamed and narrower the airways, the less oxygen the body receives. This will cause the color of the skin under your nails to change to blue, and the skin will turn pale. How would you like it if less and less oxygenated blood runs through your veins?
Method 3 of 3: Risk Factors
Step 1. Sex as a risk factor for asthma
According to statistics, asthma affects boys more often than girls. However, in adulthood, the chances of developing asthma are equal in men and women. It is believed that the airways of boys are initially narrower, but expand with age.
Step 2. Heredity
If your family has already had asthma patients, then there is every chance that you will join their ranks. About 3 out of 5 cases of asthma are caused precisely by heredity. By the way, if a person has asthma from one of the parents, then his chances of prolonging the “dynasty” increase 5 times.
Step 3. Smoking
Yes, smoking is considered one of the most common risk factors for asthma. Pregnant women who smoke increase their child's chances of developing asthma with every cigarette they smoke. In addition, many asthmatics noted that symptoms and signs of the disease made themselves felt after inhaling the smoke.
Step 4. Ecology
Air pollution harms not only nature, but also our lungs. Transport, factories and other sources of air emissions can be the trigger factors that trigger your asthma attack. If your child suffers from asthma, then it may be appropriate to consider moving to a less … smoky place.
Step 5. Allergens
Allergens can cause asthma attacks, that's a fact. However, there is no universal list of allergens; every asthma sufferer has his own form of allergy. What makes you suffocate will be indifferent to the other patient, and vice versa. Accordingly, it is important to know your allergens.
Most often, the list of allergens includes pollen, dust, animal hair, mold, perfume, insects, starch, powders, stress, etc
Step 6. Other risk factors
So, for example, studies have shown that asthma can develop against the background of other diseases. For example, eczema (inflammation of the skin) and hay fever (irritation of the nasal mucosa) can lead to the development of asthma, not to mention various autoimmune diseases.