My life with asthma Esta entrada también está disponible en: Español (Spanish) 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. 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.1During 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 Sensation of tightness in the chestDifficulty breathing (Dyspnea)Sound like a 'whistle' or 'wheezing' when breathing (Wheezing)Cough 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? Respiratory Tract Infections1Certain respiratory tract infections have caused inflammation and damage on the lung tissue, resulting in the possibility of asthma. GeneticsThere is a high chance that you will have asthma if your parents have asthma.4 AllergiesCertain types of allergic conditions are related to asthma such as: allergies from animal dandruff, fungi inside and outside the house, or even food.4 Low atmosphere temperatureAsthma 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 EnvironmentExposure to certain chemicals and powders can play an important role in the onset of asthma in adults.4 CC-8702 / OCTOBER 2024 Bibliography 1. Asma-Asthma. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Disponible en: https://www.aaaai.org/global/spanish-materials/conditions-treatments/asthma. Último acceso: octubre-2020. 2. What is asthma? National Asthma Council Australia. Disponible en: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/what-is-asthma. Último acceso: octubre-2020. 3. ¿Cómo identificar las causas del asma? National Jewish Health. Disponible en: https://www.nationaljewish.org/health-insights/espanol/como-identificar-las-causas-del-asma. Último acceso: octubre-2020. 4. What causes asthma? American Lung Association. Disponible en: https://www.lung.org/lung-healthand-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/asthma-symptoms-causes-risk-factors/what-causesasthma.html. Último acceso: octubre-2020.