ASTHMA - The Condition

Asthma is a long lasting disease affecting the lungs and the airways. Asthma is characterized by attacks of breathlessness, tightness of chest, wheezing and coughing, which is caused due to the narrowing and inflammation of the airways. World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that between 100 and 150 million people suffer from asthma and this is increasing at an average of 50 per cent every year. Asthma can occur at all ages, but is found to be more prevalent in children. Some children grow out of asthma and some people are only affected at different times of the year. However, the period of time during which people may have asthma attacks can last for many years or throughout life.

What happens in asthma?

Due to the action of certain triggering factors, the airways which carry air to the lungs on breathing gets narrowed. This makes it difficult for the air to go in and out of the lungs and thus results in an asthmatic condition. The narrowing of the airways is caused due to certain factors like

· Tightening of muscles in the walls of the airways

· Swelling in the inner lining of the airways

· Build up of mucous inside the airways