Mataracy
VIP Contributor
Asthma is a disorder characterised by attacks of wheezing and difficulty in breathing, and due to reversible narrowing of the airways.
This restriction if the airway is not permanent and is due to:
(a) Bronchospasm . This is spasm due to tightening of the constructing muscles of the smaller bronchi.
(b) Congestion and thickening of the lining of the bronchial tree
(c) Accumulation of mucus and phlegm in the smaller bronchi.
There are many factors which can cause or precipitate an attack of asthma.
HEREDITY. Especially in childhood asthma is likely yo be associated with other allergic disorders such as hay fever or urticaria. Allergic susceptibility commonly occurs in more than one member of the family, suggesting an hereditary tendency.
EMOTION. Anxiety, anger, frustration and fear can all provoke an attack of asthma in those disposed to the ailment. Sometimes fear of an attack will actually precipitate one at a most unfortunate time, before an important interview or a long awaited social event.
INFECTION: Any upper respiratory tract infection, even a heavy cold, can set off an attack in an asthmatic subject.
UNKNOWN FACTORS: Asthma can begin later on in life and is sometimes called intrinsic asthma. In these cases. allergy does not seem to be responsible and no reason can be found for the attacks.
This restriction if the airway is not permanent and is due to:
(a) Bronchospasm . This is spasm due to tightening of the constructing muscles of the smaller bronchi.
(b) Congestion and thickening of the lining of the bronchial tree
(c) Accumulation of mucus and phlegm in the smaller bronchi.
There are many factors which can cause or precipitate an attack of asthma.
HEREDITY. Especially in childhood asthma is likely yo be associated with other allergic disorders such as hay fever or urticaria. Allergic susceptibility commonly occurs in more than one member of the family, suggesting an hereditary tendency.
EMOTION. Anxiety, anger, frustration and fear can all provoke an attack of asthma in those disposed to the ailment. Sometimes fear of an attack will actually precipitate one at a most unfortunate time, before an important interview or a long awaited social event.
INFECTION: Any upper respiratory tract infection, even a heavy cold, can set off an attack in an asthmatic subject.
UNKNOWN FACTORS: Asthma can begin later on in life and is sometimes called intrinsic asthma. In these cases. allergy does not seem to be responsible and no reason can be found for the attacks.
