Asthma
is a long lasting disease of lungs affecting millions of people around the
globe. According to the National
Heart, Lungs and Blood Institute, in United States alone, asthma afflicts
more than 25 million people.
An
asthma patient frequently suffers from coughing, chest congestion and
difficulty in breathing. Asthma, though it affects people of different ages,
though it has its roots in childhood. It stresses the airways, compressing the
muscles around that area. The swollen and constricted airways thus make
inhaling substances difficult as they permit less oxygen into the lungs.
Moreover, cells producing mucus in those tightened tubes will worsen the
situation even further.
Smoke,
pollen and dust are elements that trigger asthma. There are various medications
available for treating asthma, but no medicine can completely wipe out the
disease. In other words, asthma has no cure.
On
a more positive note, most asthma patients today are able to control the
disease and lead normal and productive lives by managing it on a daily basis.
In cold weather especially2,
a patient needs to take regular preventive medication as prescribed by their
health care provider. It is also important to keep your reliever inhaler on you
all the time, and take a puff or two of it before stepping out in the cold. It
is essential to cover the mouth and nose areas with a clean, fresh scarf which
will help to warm up the air before you inhale it. If you also intend to
exercise, it is advisable you warm up for 10-15 minutes first and use the
inhaler before starting.
Asthma
is a chronic ailment affecting a person throughout his or her life, but it
should in no way keep you from leading an active and happy life.
You
can also refer to Current Respiratory
Medicine Reviews and Anti-Inflammatory &
Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry for further information on
respiratory diseases, allergies and relevant developments in their cure.
