Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways. By narrowing the airway inflammation, they are more irritable.

When irritants or substances which the patient is allergic to, a cold or after a strenuous exercise, an asthma attack can occur. This is characterized by breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. The complaints are different for every other patient and vary from mild to life threatening.

The lining of the airways swell and become inflamed. There is extra mucus produced and the muscles of the airways contract in. There is less room where the air can flow in and out.

Attacks may be more common or more severe for people who have a respiratory infection.

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• a hereditary disease: asthma in the family;
• Smoking during pregnancy;
• children who are born premature or had have low birth weight;
• too much hygiene and fewer childhood diseases.

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Seizures are caused by many different stimuli, including certain stimuli where a person is sensitized. Allergy-inducing substances known as allergens

• cold air, strenuous exercise and stress;
• substances present in the environment which may trigger allergic reactions such as pollen, animal dander, dust, pollution, certain foods, perfumes and cigarette smoke;
• viral infections (such as a common cold) and bacterial infections.



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The severity of asthma

The unpredictable nature of asthma has impact on the quality of life.

Thanks to asthma medication it is generally well treated. Medications relieve symptoms and prevent asthma from becoming worser. However, there is a downside. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with a variable pattern of complaints.

Asthma Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing can occur suddenly.


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What you can do when you have asthma
• Treat your asthma problem actively: take medicine as prescribed and avoid the knowning factors in yourself to prevent from seizures.
• Alternative therapies: acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, yoga and relaxation techniques, hypnosis.
  Furthermore, Buteyko technique is a must: a system of breathing exercises that improve health through the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in exhaled air change.
• Avoid stress: reduce stress in your daily activities.
• Exercise: Most people whose asthma is well controlled can exercise in sport without too many problems. Even people with asthma can exercise and have regular exercise. Furthermore to mind: take your medicine before you start to exercise, as this may help prevent exercise-induced asthma. Care more for a good warm up and cool down. And try to avoid environmental stimuli such as pollen, air pollution and cold weather.
• Stop smoking: Smoking can attack wors calls on your symptoms. Try to avoid you inhale cigarette smoke from other people (passive smoking) .



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