How Do Asthma Attacks Affect Our Body?

To illustrate in simple terms, asthma causes the tiny openings on the inside of our lungs to become narrower. As the openings become narrower, we find it more difficult to breathe.

There are three things that contribute to this. The throat muscles tighten, the lining of the lungs becomes swollen, and mucus builds up. The end result feels like being internally strangled and is called an asthma attack. Sufferers of an asthma attack can feel like they are drowning, and as a result begin to panic. Chest pains, not unlike those of a heart attack, can also occur.

While the symptoms of an asthma attack are easily described, the actual cause of asthma is has not been definitely found. The general consensus is that it is a genetic disease, and is not infectious to others. Studies have shown that the environment, smoking and obesity are contributing factors.

It is apparent that asthma is an individual disease, in that different factors affect people prone to asthma in different ways. There are many different things that can trigger an asthma attack, and not everyone is affected by the same triggers, to the same degree. While some people are susceptible to cigarette smoke, others are more susceptible to pollen, or even dogs. Other triggers can include cold air, exercise and dust mites. The key to keeping asthma under control is for the individual to find what triggers they are most susceptible to.

However, the news is not all bad for asthma sufferers. Many asthma sufferers have been able to dramatically reduce the need for conventional medication by using natural therapies and minimizing their exposure to certain triggers. There is no reason why a person affected by asthma cannot lead a normal, healthy life if they have appropriate care and enough knowledge about how to control their condition.