Health Network News

Asthma is a life altering condition resulting from allergies, and an untreated attack can lead to death. It can develop at any given period of time within a person’s lifespan, though children have a natural tendency of growing out of it. This may be because their bodies are still physically altering while in an adult there is no more growth, merely degeneration. It is most commonly seen in those with a genetic history of it. Because of its serious nature, it’s essential you learn as much asthma information as you can.

The tightening of airways, or bronchoconstriction, is a key feature of asthma. This happens when the muscles that surround the throat and airways tighten, resulting in air not being able to easily pass through. The chest feels as if it’s beginning to tighten and the individual has the sensation of not being able to breathe in and out. Other symptoms include wheezing and coughing. This condition can create a number of troubling problems if the airway becomes completely blocked. Therefore, if left untreated, it becomes a life threatening issue.

Triggers to asthmatic attacks include but are not limited to strenuous or general exercise, allergens, tobacco smoke, frigid air, pollutants, stress or anxiety, specific foods or drugs. Drug or food allergies are a serious concern because they have a direct impact on the body through consumption. Attack duration varies from person to person; it can last from one minute to days.

One of the safest and most effective drugs for asthmatic individuals is Propofol. It can also be a good choice for anesthesia induction in individuals who have a history of symptoms but are not currently having active attacks. This drug decreases the resistance in the respiratory system and could even prevent the spasms in the bronchus that be caused by blockage in the airways.

Very often, asthma diagnoses are made in childhood, especially if there is a family history present. Children who were born prematurely, had a low birth weight, experienced a viral infection of the respiratory system at a young age, or had a mother that smoked may be a candidate for asthma.