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  • Asthma
    Around 200 to 250 million people are affected worldwide and nearly 250,000 people die per year from asthma. In Asia the rate of asthma is lower when compared to the United States. Asthma is more common in developed countries than developing countries.  Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. Young children who often wheeze and have respiratory infections are at highest risk of developing asthma that continues beyond 6 years of age.  
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 1 August 2014

is a long-term (chronic) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. The airways are tubes (bronchial) that carry air in and out of the lungs. For people with asthma, the airways are sensitive and react to various substances. If they react, the airways become inflamed and narrow, so less air reaches the lungs. 

Around 200 to 250 million people are affected worldwide and nearly 250,000 people die per year from asthma. In Asia the rate of asthma is lower when compared to the United States. Asthma is more common in developed countries than developing countries. 

Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. Young children who often wheeze and have respiratory infections are at highest risk of developing asthma that continues beyond 6 years of age.

Are you at risk of developing asthma: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/causes-risk-factors

Can it be prevented? http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/prevention

Symptoms: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/signs-symptoms

What triggers an asthma attack : http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/causes-risk-factors

Types of asthma and Complications: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/types-stages

What tests do you need to have done: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/diagnosis-tests

Treatment of Asthma: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/treatments

Managing Asthma: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/management

Condition

Stories

  • Take Asthma seriously and treat it quickly
    Anjali Sen, 78  has had Asthma almost all her life and she recounts how she has grappled with this chronic and nagging affliction. She is a homemaker, an avid reader, a cricket enthusiast and lives in Kolkata. Can you explain your condition in a few words? The attack starts as a slight breathlessness and quickly develops into panting, gasping and choking. I have to admit that I have not had any severe asthmatic attack for the last 12 to 15 years as I am now able to…
  • Try Tai Chi To Build Immunity And Reduce Stress
    Tai Chi, the ancient martial art from China, may be widely known as a self-defense art, but has abundant health benefits that can help cure ordinary ailments to life threatening diseases, says Tai Chi guru Carlton Hill.  What is Tai Chi? How is it different from other martial arts? Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan is a five thousand year old martial art practised in China. Though, in present times, it is mostly practised for its health benefits. Tai Chi Chuan is unique because one can…
  • Woman in purple sweater and muffler holding her head and neck in distress
    Asthma and Pneumonia Risk - How to Manage the Winter Months
    As the temperature plummets, asthma attacks and pneumonia cases rise. Family practitioner and paediatrician Dr Gita Mathai tells you why this is so and how to protect yourself.  Asthma What is asthma? Asthma refers to a condition that causes shortness of breath with a whistling sound from the chest. It is also called "reactive airway disease".  What causes asthma symptoms? The whistling sound is caused by the narrowing of the tubes through which the air passes…
  • Stock pic with the text Asthma
    Asthma Prevention
    Can it be prevented? Take these steps to ensure you keep asthma away as much as possible. •    Take the prescribed medicines regularly. •    Visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. •    Make sure you keep your inhaler with you and are using it properly.  •    Use a home peak flow meter to measure how well air is flowing through your lungs. It can also stop prevent an attack. •    Avoid all known triggers whenever…
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    Management of Asthma
    There are different aspects to management of asthma Treatment: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/treatments Food and nutrition There’s no special asthma diet. Avoid foods that exacerbate asthma symptoms. Some research suggests the following may help. You can discuss it with your doctor: Diets higher in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help asthma. Many of these substances are antioxidants, which protect cells from…
  • Asthma Treatment
    Asthma is treated with two types of medicines: Long-term control and quick-relief medicines.  Long-term control medicines help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. These include: Inhaled corticosteroids: These are the most effective line of treatment for long-term relief of the inflammation and swelling that makes airways sensitive.  Cromolyn: This medicine helps prevent airway inflammation. It is taken using a device called nebulizer. As we breathe in, the…
  • Diagnosis of Asthma and Tests
    What tests do you need to have done Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about your family history of asthma and allergy. He will listen to your breathing and look for signs of asthma or allergies. The signs include wheezing, a runny nose or swollen nasal passages, and allergic skin conditions (such as eczema). He may recommend some of the following diagnostic tests: Lung Function test: One example is Spirometry test. In this test, you will take a deep breath and blow…
  • Types of Asthma and Complications
    Types of asthma  Allergic asthma: Allergies can make asthma symptoms worse. So it is best to avoid the things you are allergic to.  Asthma without allergies: Sometimes asthma can be triggered without allergens. For instance, an upper respiratory infection, such as cold and flu, can set off the asthma. Exercise induced asthma: Some otherwise healthy people can develop asthma symptoms only when exercising. Any type of physical exertion or sports leads to coughing, difficulty breathing…
  • Asthma Symptoms and Signs
    Symptoms include the following: Wheezing: There is a scratchy or whistling sound when you breathe Coughing: Coughing is worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep Chest tightness or pain: You feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest Shortness of breath: This may feel like you can't get air out of your lungs Children may also exhibit the following: Fatigue (your child may slow down or stop playing) Problems feeding or grunting during feeding (infants)…
  • Asthma causes and risk factors
    Are you at risk of developing asthma Are you: Prone to developing allergies (known as Atopy). This is an inherited tendency. Have parents with asthma Had respiratory infections during childhood Exposed to airborne allergens or to viral infections during your chidhood when your immune system was developing Exposed to chemical irritants, industrial dust or pollutants in your workplace What causes or triggers an asthma attack These include: Allergens from dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mould,…