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What is Asthma?
Asthma is considered a chronic disease that compromises the airways in the lungs. These airways allow air to enter and exit the lungs, and when compromised, shortness of breath occurs. 1
What happens if I’m asthmatic?
If you are asthmatic, your airways are always inflamed. Long-term inflammation of the airways causes the walls of the airways to become irritated and swollen. 1
During an asthma attack, the airways become more inflamed than usual and the muscles around them may narrow when there is a factor that triggers symptoms.1
What are the symptoms? 1
Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
Feeling of chest tightness
Although there is no cure for asthma, with a proper treatment and education for the patients and their families, it is possible to lead a normal and active life.2
Do you know any causes of asthma?
Low atmosphere temperature
Asthma can be generated by environmental factors. It is characteristic that when the temperature drops at night or early in the morning that the symptoms worsen.3
Respiratory Tract Infections
Certain respiratory tract infections have caused inflammation and damage on the lung tissue, resulting in the possibility of asthma. 4
Genetics
There is a high chance that you will have asthma if your parents have asthma.4
Allergies
Certain types of allergic conditions are related to asthma such as: allergies from animal dandruff, fungi inside and outside the house, or even food.4
Environment
Exposure to certain chemicals and powders can play an important role in the onset of asthma in adults. 4
References:
1. Asma-Asthma. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/global/spanish-materials/conditions-treatments/asthma. Last access: October- 2020
2. What is asthma? National Asthma Council Australia. Available at : https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/what-is-asthma.
Last access: October-2020
3. ¿Cómo identificar las causas del asma? National Jewish Health. Available at : https://www.nationaljewish.org/health-insights/espanol/como-identificar-las-causas-del-asma.
Last access: October-2020
4. What causes asthma? American Lung Association. Available at : https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/asthma-symptoms-causes-risk-factors/what-causes-asthma.html. Last access: October-2020
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