Asthma
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs that can be triggered by exercise, allergies, and occupational components. Asthmatics respond to triggers in the environment in a manner that affects the airflow of air in and out of the body. The muscles surrounding the airways can narrow, mucus can build, and swelling can occur. The asthmatic finds him/herself in a position where they wheeze and find it difficult to breathe.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Any of these symptoms could be asthma:
In addition, these symptoms or conditions are sometimes associated with asthma:
These symptoms could be seasonal or year-round. You may experience sudden attacks of these symptoms and they may gradually become worse. The frequency and duration of the symptoms varies and can occur during the day or night. Some people may experience symptoms only at certain places, such as work, home or school.
Factors that trigger Asthma
Asthma can be triggered by allergies such as
It is believed that asthma triggered by food is unusual, however some people may find that certain foods, additives and sulfites may trigger asthma. Sulfites and sulfating agents such as sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfate, potassium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabishulfite, and sodium sulfite, found both naturally and in food processing can be an allergen to certain people. Dried fruits or vegetable, potatoes (some packaged and prepared), wine, beer, bottle lemon or lime juice, shrimp (fresh, frozen, or prepared), and pickled foods all contain sulfites. It is also possible that other food additives such as tartrazine (and other food dyes or colorings); benzoates (food and drug preservative); BHA and BHT (food preservatives); monosodium glutamate (MSG, flavor enhancer); aspartame (NutraSweet®, intense sweetener); and nitrate and nitrite (food preservatives) can cause asthma, however this has not been conclusively proven at this time. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that .."about 6-8% of children with asthma, eating certain foods or various food additives can trigger asthma symptoms. Culprits include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. If any of these foods trigger asthma attacks, the best remedy is to avoid eating them..."" (© Copyright 1996-1999 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. All rights reserved.")
The AAN/MA recommends that you customized Asthma Management Plan (AMP) developed by you and your physician. Every AMP will include specific steps to take for recovery, prevention, early intervention, and crisis management. Visit AAN/MA for more information on asthma and Asthma Management Plans.
Which famous people has Asthma?
Visit this page at the AAAI to see how many famous people have asthma.
Interested in further reading? Visit one of the areas below.
Links to other PAC pages
Web Links
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Online
Allergy and Asthma Network - Mothers of Asthmatics Inc
Asthma Center - Colorado Health Net
Everything You Need to Know About Asthma and Food
International Food Information Council
ParentZone - information about asthma
Asthma Information Center - information about asthma and nutrition