Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by bronchoconstriction that is reversible, airway inflammation resulting from edema in the lining of the bronchial tubes, and increased airway responsiveness to a variety of stimuli. Symptoms usually occur during the first five years of life in 65 percent of the patients. A key feature of the disease is a hyper-responsiveness of the airways to various triggering stimuli, which causes the airways to react to irritation with severe bronchospasm and inflammation, resulting in symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and tachycardia.

There are two classifications of asthma, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic asthma usually develops in adulthood and may begin with risk factors such as cold air, exercise, or emotional trauma. Extrinsic, or atopic asthma, is considered an immunologically mediated condition with a rise in serum IgE.

Allergic Causes of Asthma Attacks (2) Grass/Tree/Plant pollens Animal dander Cat hair, saliva, urine Dog hair, saliva Cockroaches Dust mites Mold Foods (peanuts, corn, citrus, milk, wheat, yeasts) Food additives (sulfites, MSG, dyes, other preservatives) Pharmaceutical drugs (ASA, beta-blockers, estrogen, NSAIDs, PCN)

Non-Allergic Causes of Asthma Attacks (2) Additives Air pollution (ozone, smog) Chemical odors (cleaners, nail polish, paint) Coal smoke Cold air Cold drink Cooking fuel (kerosene, natural gas, propane) Emotional stress Exercise Foods (wine) Gastroesophageal reflux (heart burn) Heating units (coal, gas, kerosene, wood) Infection (upper respiratory) Nutritional deficiencies (magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C) Paint fumes Scents (air fresheners, colognes, perfumes) Tobacco smoke Weather changes Wood smoke