The Danger of Asthma

In 2006 approximately 22.9 million Americans reported having an asthma attack. The reality is that asthma is very serious and can change the way a person lives. There are many misconceptions of asthma, like if you didn’t get it when you were a child then you’ll never get it. Well you couldn’t be more wrong. Asthma can present itself in almost anyone, at almost any age. In fact, the same study in 2006 showed that out of the 22.9 million Americans that reported having an asthma attack, 2.5 million of them were over the age of 65!

Furthermore, many people don’t realize what asthma really is. Most people that have heard of asthma know that it effects breathing, but what they don’t know is that asthma causes the tubes that allow air to travel in and out to become inflamed. That is why asthma can become so dangerous. Without treatment asthma can be life threatening however, fortunately for us there are many forms of treatment available. Most treatment methods feature an inhaler that is used when an asthma attack occurs.

For those that are wondering if they should be checked for asthma, some common symptoms include:

• A wheezing sound when you breathe. This may only occur when you are suffering from a cold.
• Cough. You may cough up mucus. The cough often comes back and it may last more than a week.
• Shortness of breath. You may have difficulty breathing only now and then, or you may have problems quite often. It feels as if you can’t get enough air into your lungs.
• Chest tightness. Your chest may feel tight in cold weather or during exercise. Chest tightness may be one of the first signs that your asthma is getting worse.

Although scientists do not know for sure what causes asthma they are aware of some things that can contribute to reoccurring asthma attacks or asthma in adults.

• Smoking
• Medications
• Air Pollution
• Allergies
• Genetic