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Asthma is a common disease that results in swelling of the airways. People suffering from Asthma have swollen wind pipes and the muscles in wind pipe are easily irritated by external factors like dust etc. This irritation causes the muscle to swell more narrowing the wind pipe further. This condition results in the produces of excess mucus. These two factors clog the wind pipe making breathing difficult.

It is important to know how to notice asthma symptoms at early stages. Sometimes, Asthma shows the sign of common cold or allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache). If these symptoms persit then one must go for a diagnosis.


Symptoms of Asthma:

1: The many tiny muscles surrounding the air passages tighten, making the passage narrower than usual. Due to insufficient supply of air , we get shortness of breath.
2: The air passages become swollen and more inflamed.
3: Coughing - this often becomes worse at night or early in the morning.
4: A wheezing, whistling and squeaky sound, as the air goes through the narrowed wind pipe.
5: Disturbed sleep caused by shortness of breath and coughing.
6: Chest tightness or pain.
7: Increased need to use bronchodilators - medications that open up airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles.
8: Blue lips or fingernails.
9: Pale, sweaty face.


Causes of Asthma:

1: Allergens, such as pollen- from grass, trees and weeds etc.
2: Animal - common household pets such as cats and dogs furs.
3: Respiratory infections, including common cold.
4: Household dust and mites and their droppings are the most important cause of asthma worldwide.
5: Smoking also plays a major role in this disease. Smoke is a very strong trigger that provokes asthma.
6: Asthma may cause problems during exercising. When we exercise, we need more oxygen and so we breathe faster through our mouth. Our airways react to this cold, dry air and the muscles around it tighten.
7: Asthma may also develop after a viral infection.
8: Children whose parents smoke are more likely to develop asthma in the long run.

Treatment of Asthma:

1: During an actual attack of asthma, simply sniffing the aroma of a couple drops of essential oil on a paper tissue may give relief from the spasm of airways.
2: Oxygen is usually administered, and can be life saving in severe cases.
3: Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. As a result, airways are less sensitive and less likely to react to triggers.
4: Bronchodilators also help clear mucus from the lungs. As the airways open, the mucus moves more freely and can be coughed out more easily.
5: Quitting smoking is the best treatment for asthma.
6: Hot coffee and tea help in recovering from asthma. These drinks warm the airways and can ease the attack.