ASTHMA

Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways narrows and swells and produces extra mucus. This makes breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out. It also causes shortness of breath. 
Asthma causes about 2 million visits to the emergency room yearly. With proper treatment, an individual with asthma can live a quality life

SIGNS
There are 3 major signs if asthma 

• Airway blockage. When you breathe, the bands of muscle around your airways are relaxed, and air moves freely. But when you have asthma, the muscles tighten. It’s harder for air to pass through.
• Inflammation. Asthma causes red, swollen bronchial tubes in the lungs. This inflammation can damage your lungs.
• Airway irritability. People with asthma have sensitive airways that tend to overreact and narrow when they come into contact with slight triggers

SYMPTOMS 
The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. You may seldom have asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times such as when exercising or have symptoms all the time.

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

• coughing
• shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing when exhaling
• Trouble sleeping 

Signs that asthma is probably worsening include:

• Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and worrisome 
• Increasing difficulty breathing, as measured with a device used to check how well the lungs are working (peak flow meter)
• The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often

For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:

• Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
• Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust
• Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR 

See your doctor:

• If you think you have asthma. If you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma.
• To monitor your asthma after diagnosis.If you know you have asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good long-term control helps you feel better from day to day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack.
• If your asthma symptoms get worse.Contact your doctor right away if your medication doesn't seem to ease your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often.
• To review your treatment. Asthma often changes over time. Meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any needed treatment adjustments

Get EMERGENCY help if you have serious symptoms including:

• Fast breathing
• Pale or blue face, lips, or fingernails
• The skin around your ribs pulls inward when you breathe in
• Trouble breathing, walking, or talking
• Symptoms that don’t get better after you take medication or a quick relief of inhaler.