Most of us have heard of asthma and understand that it's a
condition that makes breathing difficult. However, the intention of this blog
is to give a better understanding of what goes on in your body when you have
asthma and to discuss how millions of people are living an active and healthy
life with the disease.
As Buster Baxter (Arthur anyone, anyone?) states: "I have
asthma and it's okay" .........Asthma Rap
Let's start by defining asthma. Asthma is a condition that causes
the airways of the lungs to swell, narrow and secrete mucus, leading to shortness
of breath, wheezing, and coughing. This reaction is often triggered by an
allergen, or other stimuli such as temperature change or exercise. The
condition is chronic (meaning it will last a long time, if not for the rest of
one's life), but many options exist to help people manage the symptoms. Asthma
varies in severity from person to person and can change throughout one’s life,
so it’s important to stay connected to a provider who can help you track your
asthma. It isn’t entirely known why some people develop asthma, but it’s presumed
to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people have
asthma consistently, some only when exercising, and some very infrequently. Different
medications and dosages exist to help you maintain the best quality of life and
breath.
Historically, asthma was not understood to be an inflammatory
disease caused by a sensitive immune system reacting to a trigger. It wasn't
until the 1960's that this breakthrough was discovered and the first inhaled
anti-inflammatory medication was born. So, although the Piggy (Lord of the
Flies anyone,anyone?) of
yesteryears could not go out for a swim because of his ill-fated "assmar",
the Piggy of today can splash around to his heart's content.
