What is it like to have asthma?

Answer 1

Asthma it self doesn't look like anything. But a person with asthma's lungs change when they have an asthma attack. There broncular (bronci) tubes get tense and get kinda swollen. The musles tense up and the air way becomes smaller. This makes it harder for the air to go through the air ways. This is why the asthatic person finds it hard to breathe. When the person takes their asthma emergency medication it relaxes the muscles and opens up the airway so that air can pass freely.

Answer 2

There are many types of "asthma pumps" that are prescribed. Some are for relieving your symptoms (like a bronchodilator such as albuterol) and others are for preventive maintenance such as an inhaled steroid. Most pumps are either dry powder inhalers or "wet" inhalers. They work essentially the same way giving out one dose when activated by the user. Ask your physician or pharmacist to give you more information about the medications that you have been prescribed such as an instruction sheet for proper use.

Answer 3

Having asthma is a very scary thing, and should not be laughed at. You have to take medicine very often, and playing sports gets very difficult. Having an attack is hard to imagine unless it has happened to you. Try breathing through a very thin straw. Feel your throat hurt. Your lungs burn for more air that you can't have. You will start to feel dizzy, lightheaded. You will take the straw out and take a few deep breathes. Asthmatics can't do that. We have to take a puff or to, and pray that it ends. You don't want to know what it's like to have asthma.

Answer 4

Asthma symptoms can differ from person to person, the most common signs are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness/pressure. Some uncommon symptoms are: anxiety, chronic cough without wheezing, difficulty sleeping and sighing.

Answer 5

Asthma affects both children and adults. It is a disease marked by inflammation in the air passages that causes narrowing and restricted air movement in the lungs. This makes breathing difficult for the person and causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Asthma is a very serious disease, but many sufferers find relief with treatment.

Features of Asthma

For those with asthma, the airways in the lungs are restricted and air can not pass through the lungs easily. This causes shortness of breath and wheezing. Narrowing of the airways due to asthma is reversible, and that is what separates asthma from emphysema or bronchitis.

People with asthma also have swollen and red bronchial tubes. This can cause long-term damage to the lungs, so treating asthma early is very important.

Those with asthma are also very sensitive to dust, fumes, pollen and animal dander. These substances can irritate the airways and cause asthma symptoms.

Asthma Symptoms

Asthma symptoms are present when airways in the lungs fill with mucus, tighten or get inflamed. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Coughing may be worse at night while lying down. Sufferers will also experience pain, pressure or tightness in their chest.

Not every asthma sufferer will experience the same symptoms. Some people will have all of the symptoms, but others will only experience one or two symptoms. Symptoms may be different for each episode. Some asthma attacks are mild, but others are severe and require immediate medical treatment.

Some people do not experience symptoms often but have asthma attacks periodically. Others have symptoms daily. Some people may only show symptoms when sick or exercising. Asthma symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Severe symptoms require immediate medical attention. Your doctor will help you manage and treat your symptoms to prevent serious damage.