About Asthma

What is Asthma
Why do people get Asthma
What are the main symptoms of Asthma

What is asthma

As we breathe, air moves in and out of the lungs through branching airways.

People with asthma have sensitive or "twitchy" airways. When they are exposed to certain "triggers" (e.g. cigarette smoke), their airways narrow making it hard for them to breathe.

The three main factors that cause this narrowing of the airways are:

• The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen (inflamed).
• The muscle around the airway tightens.
• Extra mucus is produced.

Top^

Why do people get asthma in the first place?

We don’t really know why some people have extra sensitive airways and others don’t, but we do know that many people are born with a tendency to develop asthma. There is often a history of asthma, eczema or hayfever in brothers, sisters and parents or close relatives. Asthma can occur for the first time at any age.

There is also evidence that exposure to certain things, for example cigarette smoke during pregnancy and early childhood, increases the risk of developing asthma. For more information and smoking, pregnancy and asthma visit www.smokefreebaby.org.au.

Top^

What are the main symptoms of asthma?

• Wheezing - a high pitched raspy sound on breathing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest

These symptoms vary from person to person, and from time to time within the same person. Some people have all the symptoms, while some may only have a cough or wheeze. Symptoms can also vary considerably in intensity.

What triggers asthma symptoms?

Once someone has asthma, symptoms are set off or made worse by "triggers". These can include:

• colds and flu
• cigarette smoke
• exercise
• inhaled allergens - e.g. pollens, moulds, animal dander and saliva and house dust mite
• changes in temperature and weather
• chemicals and strong smells
• some foods and food preservatives, flavourings and colourings
• certain drugs (e.g. aspirin)

However, often we don’t know what triggers an episode of asthma.
It is recommended that wherever possible, known triggers should be avoided. Sometimes these triggers are difficult to avoid such as colds and viruses. Exercise, of course, should not be avoided and there are steps that can be taken to help prevent symptoms occurring when exercising. Check out our brochures or contact The Asthma Foundation of WA for more information.

Top^