| According to recent estimates, More than 22 million | | | | sound. |
| people in the United States have asthma, a condition | | | | This is why it is important for patients to pay close |
| that causes breathing difficulties. However, this | | | | attention to their condition on a daily basis. They |
| condition affects people all over the world. People of | | | | should create a treatment and emergency plan. They |
| all ages can develop asthma. The number of new | | | | should use the frequency and severity of their |
| cases among children is causing concern for many in | | | | attacks as a guide to help determine the best action |
| the medical community. | | | | plan. |
| A person who has asthma experiences breathing | | | | Environment factors can greatly impact the quality of |
| problems due to inflammation and constriction in the | | | | life for a person who has asthma. Pollution in the air |
| airways of the lungs. The bronchial walls will start to | | | | can aggravate this condition. Hereditary influences are |
| tighten up and mucus begins to build up. This causes | | | | also involved. |
| a blockage of the airways making breathing difficult. | | | | This condition tends to run in families. A person who |
| Wheezing and asthma attacks are constant concern | | | | is constantly exposed to secondhand smoke may |
| for people with this condition. The attacks can be | | | | develop this condition, especially if the exposure |
| mild or life threatening. There are ways to help | | | | begins early in life. People with allergies may also be |
| prevent an attack from progressing to far. In order | | | | affected. |
| to do this, a patient must be aware of the warning | | | | There are medications available that can help prevent |
| signs. | | | | attacks. Some patients use inhaled medications |
| Symptoms that may indicate an impending attack | | | | known as corticosteroids. These are used to ease |
| include a feeling of tightness in the chest, rapid | | | | chronic symptoms and to prevent attacks. It is |
| wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing or chest | | | | important to thoroughly discuss this option with a |
| pain. Children with this condition may also have these | | | | physician as these medications may have serious side |
| symptoms. They may also start coughing rapidly. | | | | effects. |
| These coughs may cause a whistling or wheezing | | | | |