Asthma is a chronic disorder related to the respiratory system which leads to inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Asthma causes constriction and inflammation of the air passage, thus making it difficult to breath. Causes for asthma are associated with chemical, genetic and environmental factors. Some common factors which trigger asthma include infections like flu and colds, food allergies, pollen, dust mites, allergies to certain drugs, and irritants like dust and cigarette smoke. Whenever someone is exposed to these triggering factors, their body releases histamine as well as other agents. This leads to inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which in turn causes narrowing and clogging of the air passages. This leads to symptoms which include wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
Some Indications of Asthma Attacks:
During a severe asthmatic attack, a series of changes occur in the lungs as well as air passages which contribute to developing the symptoms of asthma attacks. Inflammation, excessive mucus production and bronchospasm can cause different symptoms of asthma attacks which comprise of wheezing, coughing and breathlessness. Symptoms of asthma attacks could vary in duration and severity. Early symptoms of asthma attacks include headaches, an itchy throat, chronic cough, wheezing, difficulty in talking and breathing, chest tightness and a disturbed sleeping pattern. Wheezing is one of the most frequently observed symptoms of asthma attacks. A mild asthma attack is common and is curable within a couple of hours of treatment.