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Asthma

More than 20 million Americans suffer from the condition known as asthma. But what exactly is this disease?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which a person´s airways become narrow, making it difficult to breathe. There is currently no cure for this disease. Asthma is typically characterised by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. When allergens, or environmental factors, cause a spike in these symptoms, it is known as an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the large airways, called the bronchi, react to a trigger, like an allergen, with contracting spasms. The bronchi inflame and produce mucus, further narrowing the airways and leading to the symptoms of asthma. Attacks may last just a few minutes or can linger over several days. Symptoms can usually be relieved using asthma medications but may also dissipate naturally in mild attacks

Asthma is not new. In fact, it made its first appearance in the Iliad, where the poet and author Homer coined the term from the Greek word for "sharp breath". Centuries later, in 450 BC, the philosopher Hippocrates used the term to describe breathing difficulties and spasms that he had observed in tailors, anglers and metalworkers. Today, doctors agree that there is a strong genetic component in asthma. However, it takes more than genetics to make a person have an attack. Environmental triggers are necessary as well. There are many different theories about which stimuli can cause asthma, among them early childhood infections, chemical exposure through air pollution and insufficient immune system development. Once asthma does develop, exposure to certain factors called triggers spur symptom flare ups. People who experience symptoms after exposure to allergens like dust, cat hair or even cockroach dust are said to have allergic asthma. Many people with allergic asthma also react to environmental irritants, like cigarette smoke. Some basic medical conditions like colds, sinus infections and acid reflux disease can also trigger symptoms. Vigorous physical activity and stress are other likely causes of an asthma attack. Serious attacks can be life threatening. The good news is that people with severe asthma can often overcome, or at least control their symptoms, even excelling at sports. Just look at swimmer Mark Spitz, who held the record for the most gold medals won in a single Olympics, despite his asthma. And fellow asthma sufferer, Jerome Bettis formerly of the Pittsburgh Stealers, was a popular NFL running back. While asthma can be life-altering, with proper treatment people living with the condition can live very full, normal lives. If you or your child are suffering from breathing difficulties characteristic of asthma, please see your doctor immediately.

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