Asthma

            
             Experts believe that 12 million Americans suffer from asthma each year. This number continues to rise each year with about 1 million new cases. The death rate associated with asthma has increased also to about 31 percent. Even though there are more and better drugs available to treat asthma, these numbers continue to grow. The debate over why the fatalities are growing is still not clear. In 1990 alone the cost of asthma related illness was estimated at $6.2 billion. And each year this number increases as well. .
             Asthma is a common disease that effects the lungs. It involves reversible blockage of the airways and chronic inflammation. Narrowing of the bronchial tube causes the blockage. Inflammation is the red and swollen appearance of the inside of the bronchial tube. This can be seen using a lighted scope called a bronchoscope that is inserted into the bronchial tubes.
             Some of the common symptoms of an asthma attack are wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, tightness on the chest and some people will experience hyperventilating. Coughing is a normal way for the lungs to get ride of unwanted particles. When an asthmatic coughs this causes the reflex action of the inflammation of the tubes and lungs. Pain on the chest can be caused by not exhaling all the stale air out before new air is breathed in. This causes the lungs to over expand. Many things in an asthmatic can trigger shortness of breath.
             Once you are properly diagnosed, as having asthma your doctor will discuss the many options you have in treating your asthma. Your doctor will have many ways to offer help in maintaining your asthma safe and effectively. Some of these options include using a rescue inhaler that sends medicine straight to your lungs fast and effectively. He may give you oral steroids if using an inhaler is not effective for you. Most asthmatics with sever asthma need to have a nebulizer with them at home to treat sudden attacks.