Living with asthma: Causes and symptoms - Asthma is a disease affecting the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. Around 300 million people worldwide suffer from this chronic condition, which currently has no cure. However, medical treatment is available and by identifying its causes and monitoring the symptoms those living with asthma can lead a normal and active life. Find out more about asthma by clicking on the gallery and following the key points surrounding the disease.

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Asthma: What is it? - A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways and lungs. The condition is characterized by the inflammation and narrowing of the conducting zone of the airways (most especially the bronchi and bronchioles).

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What happens? - The swollen or inflamed walls results in the airways becoming extremely sensitive to irritations and increases your susceptibility to an allergic reaction. As inflammation causes the bronchus and airways to become narrower, less air can pass through them, both to and from the lungs.

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Rates of incidence - According to the World Health Organization around 300 million people worldwide are affected by asthma, making it one of the most common chronic medical conditions.

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Causes - The causes of the disease are incompletely understood, but all asthma sufferers have allergies. Allergic reactions triggered by antibodies in the blood often lead to the airway inflammation that is associated with asthma. To this end it is important to identify the triggers and triggering factors that can cause an asthma attack.

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Triggers - Dust mites, mold, fungi and cat and dog hair, among other indoor allergens, account for around 80% of asthma attacks. Tobacco smoke, pollen and heavy air pollution also trigger allergic reactions.

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Allergens - Inhaling chemical compounds found in paints and cleaning products can irritate the bronchi and trigger an attack. Viral infections, such as colds or flu, also present a danger to sufferers.

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Changes in temperature - Changes in temperature, especially cold air, may trigger hyper-reactive airways to become inflamed thus inducing an attack.

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Foods - Allergic reactions to certain foods are contributory factors. Foods most associated with allergic symptoms are: eggs, milk, nuts, soybeans and wheat.

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Processed foods - Additives and preservatives found in some processed fish, prawns and other crustaceans, as well as in salads and fruits, have also been found to trigger asthma attacks.

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Medications - Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, diclofenac and ibuprofen can trigger asthma attacks.

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Other risk factors - Genetics and certain environmental factors are also to blame for asthma attacks.

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Family history - Asthma is a disease that has genetic traits. Some asthma cases are hereditary and those with a history of asthma in the family are at a greater risk of developing the condition at some stage in their lives.

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Obesity - Overweight adults are more likely to develop asthma than those who maintain a healthy weight. Being obese encourages inflammation of the bronchi and thus the likelihood of an asthma attack.

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History of allergies - Those already suffering from an allergy are more likely to develop additional allergies. This is because their bodies are more sensitive to external allergens.

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Pregnancy - The way a mum-to-be behaves during pregnancy can determine whether their baby is at risk of developing allergies later in life. Poor sleep patterns, anxiety and depression are factors that can adversely affect a newborn.

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Gastroesophageal reflux - Gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. Stomach acid, if inhaled, can enter the lungs thus triggering inflammation and a possible asthma attack. It can also cause pneumonia and bronchitis.

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Common symptoms - Most sufferers go for long periods without experiencing symptoms or an actual attack. Others endure chronic respiratory deficiency. Asthma attacks can last just a few minutes or can be dangerously prolonged. Being the most common:

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Persistent coughing - There is an association between an ongoing (chronic) cough and illnesses like asthma, and there are two types of coughs: productive (where phlegm is expelled) and nonproductive. Prolonged coughing, especially at night and early morning is a tell-tale sign of the condition.

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Wheezy cough - A wheezy cough in the chest is a sign that the airways have narrowed. This is a very common in chronic asthma.

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Fatigue - Fatigue is a noticeable side effect of asthma. Coughing and difficulty breathing throughout the day can inhibit rest and disturb sleep patterns.

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Shortness of breath - If, during or after physical activity, symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or tightness in the chest manifest themselves, this may indicate non-allergic asthma induced by exercise.

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Tightening sensation - A tightness in the chest, a classic symptom of heart attack, can also indicate acid reflux or asthma.

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Bluish discoloration of the skin or lips - Cyanosis is the abnormal blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes and an indicator that the body is not receiving enough oxygen. If this happens during an asthma attack immediate follow up medical care is required.

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Diagnosis - Severe asthma attacks can be fatal. Early diagnosis and ongoing medical supervision is therefore vital in order to manage the condition effectively.

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Treatment - Minimizing the risk of an asthma attack is key to controlling the condition. Taking prescribed medication every day decreases bronchi inflammation and sensitivity over time.

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Living with the disease - Although a debilitating condition, asthma can be managed effectively. The best way to deal with the disease is by understanding what triggers attacks and taking precautions. accordingly. Establishing the following routines can help:

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Slow down - Take breaks between tasks and avoid strenuous physical workouts that can trigger symptoms. Preventing your body from overworking is paramount.

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Avoiding substances that trigger attacks - Avoiding exposure to anything that can trigger an attack is also critical in managing the condition. For example, try and avoid the build up of dust in your home.

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Light exercise - Light exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and can help prevent asthma attacks. Keeping active also keeps your weight in check.

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