Asthma and Humidity-Causes and Cures

Americans and Australians suffer in the millions from asthma, 20 million and 2.2 million respectively. In beginning to study and understand more about asthma, you need to start with the triggers of asthma and the effects of an asthma attack.

As an individual who associates daily with a number of asthma sufferers, I can truly appreciate the importance of learning about and understanding asthma.

A asthma signs and symptoms, allergy induced asthma n increase in the incidences of asthma occurring has increased dramatically through the 1980’s and 1990’s in Australia but since then has leveled off. In proportion to the population, the indigenous people there have a much higher figure than the non-native population.

Let’s begin with finding out what exactly is Asthma

Asthma most commonly is divided into two groupings or types; that of allergy induced asthma, and the non-allergic type of asthma. Both types of asthma have very similar symptoms which are:

A tightening in the chest or torso area

A shortness of breath often including-

Wheezing when trying to breathe

A dry, persistent, irritating cough, most often in the early morning or at nighttime

A wheeze when breathing

When any of these symptoms occur, especially on a prolonged or severe incidence, visit your doctor and have him do tests to diagnose if you truly suffer from asthma or whether it is other allergy related conditions.

Asthma sufferers have much more sensitized airways which become restricted when exposed to trigger factors, whether of the allergic or non-allergic types.

Inhaling allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mould, and specific food additives can trigger an allergic asthma attack.

A non-allergic asthma attack can be triggered by stress, anxiety, chemicals such as perfume, etc, exercise. Cold or dry air can also be the cause of an attack, as well as tobacco or other forms of smoke. These are all irritants that can cause mild or severe asthma distress.

Basically, asthma is a restriction of the airway that prevents the natural flow of oxygen to the lungs and body. This restriction can be the cause of inflammation of the airway which becomes red and swollen. Excess mucous is a by product of the trigger factor, whether allergy or non-allergy based. This mucous blocks the airway and prevents natural breathing. Bronchoconstriction is the condition of the muscles in the airway tightening and squeezing up to restrict and reduce breathing.

As airways become inflamed and constricted, the asthma sufferer will begin to find it more and more difficult to breathe properly. Exhaling is particularly arduous which leads to considerable coughing and breath distress.

It is not fully understood why some people are more prone to asthma than others and what the exact causes and forces behind it are. Often there is a history in the family of eczema, severe hay fever, or asthma itself. In Australia about one out of every child suffers from asthma. The onset of asthma can occur at any age. Scientific evidence has shown us that unborn babies of smoking mothers, whether actual smokers or second-hand smoking, and children who experience second-hand smoke in their early childhood have a marked increase in the risk of developing childhood asthma.

Among the nations of the world, per capita, Australia is one of the highest in the number of asthma sufferers. The general populous needs to be more aware of the symptoms of asthma and consult with their doctor at the earliest symptom. When caught early on and treated correctly, asthma can be controlled and lifestyles can have very little interruption with the proper treatment and care of the disease.

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