Asthma is a medical condition characterized by narrowed and swollen airways, accompanied by increased mucus production. This can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. While some individuals experience mild symptoms, others may face significant challenges, including life-threatening asthma attacks.
Risks and Complications:
- Symptoms that disrupt daily activities, work, sleep, or recreational pursuits.
- Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes, impacting breathing efficiency.
- Missed work or school days due to asthma flare-ups.
- Potential side effects from long-term use of certain medications used to manage severe asthma.
- Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks.
Asthma can affect individuals of all ages, with onset typically occurring during childhood. Young children who frequently experience wheezing episodes during respiratory infections and have additional risk factors, such as eczema, allergies, or a family history of asthma, are at increased risk of developing persistent asthma beyond six years of age.
While asthma prevalence is higher among boys in childhood, it becomes more common in women than men among adults. However, the reasons for this sex disparity, including potential influences of sex hormones, remain unclear. While allergies are common among asthma sufferers, not all individuals with asthma have allergies. Additionally, exposure to certain chemical irritants or industrial dusts in the workplace can lead to occupational asthma, a specific type of asthma triggered by workplace conditions.