Asthma is the disease in which airways of the lungs are always inflamed. Airways, also called bronchial tubes, allow the inflow and outflow of air from the lungs. When swollen, the air flow is restricted and thus the patient experiences difficulty in breathing. It is a chronic disease and aggravates during and after physical activity causing shortness of breath and chest pain.
Primary Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing (a hissing sound while breathing)
- Chest tightness
- Cough (dry or with sputum)
Causes:
The causes of asthma are as follows:
- Allergies – Allergic reaction caused due to inhaled irritant such as pollen, fumes, gases, dust, etc.
- Continuous exposure to smoke and air pollution (especially during childhood)
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Stress