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What is Chronic Asthma?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Chronic asthma is a condition that involves persistent inflammation and irritation of the airways. When external triggers such as cold air or allergens are present, asthma sufferers experience acute attacks of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to over 24 hours, and mild breathing difficulties can linger in between episodes. Chronic asthma is most often an inherited disorder that tends to clear up in late childhood or adolescence, though many people have lifelong symptoms. Doctors can prescribe medications to expand the airways during an acute attack to help prevent future episodes.

Lungs and air passages afflicted with chronic asthma are always irritated to some degree. Some people with the condition cannot take deep breaths due to limited lung capacity and mucous buildup. During an attack, inflammation worsens and the airways constrict severely. The body's natural response to inflammation is increased mucous production, which further obstructs air passages. Sufferers experience chest pain and tightness, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Pain and respiratory problems can lead to a rapid pulse and a loss of consciousness in the most serious cases.

An asthma inhaler.
An asthma inhaler.

People who have a familial history of chronic asthma and allergies are likely to inherit the condition. Severe respiratory infections in childhood, years of exposure to air pollution and obesity are also significant risk factors for developing asthma. For most people with the condition, airborne allergens or other environmental factors cause acute attacks. Allergens such as pet dander, mold, smoke and pollen enter the airways and trigger inflammation, throat restriction and mucous production. Asthma worsens in some people when they exercise or venture outside during cold weather.

Exposure to air pollution may increase a person's chances of developing asthma.
Exposure to air pollution may increase a person's chances of developing asthma.

A doctor can determine the severity of a patient's chronic asthma by performing a series of diagnostic tests. The physician listens to the patient's chest with a stethoscope and instructs him to blow into a device called a peak flow meter to measure lung capacity. Chest x-rays are often conducted so that the doctor can better evaluate the seriousness of inflammation and airway restriction.

An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
An illustration of the pathology of asthma.

There are many short- and long-term treatment options available for people who suffer from frequent asthma attacks. Patients are often given prescription or over-the-counter inhalers called bronchodilators. Inhalers contain concentrated amounts of corticosteroids that can loosen muscles in the throat and reduce inflammation during an acute attack. Patients who are prone to frequent attacks may be prescribed oral anti-inflammatory drugs or specialized inhalers to be used on a daily basis. In addition, doctors can provide information about avoiding certain environmental triggers and limiting strenuous exercise to help prevent chronic asthma symptoms.

Discussion Comments

anon241498

A person who suffers from this chronic condition needs to be hospitalized and requires special medical attention.

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    • An asthma inhaler.
      By: alctxphoto
      An asthma inhaler.
    • Exposure to air pollution may increase a person's chances of developing asthma.
      By: trancedrumer
      Exposure to air pollution may increase a person's chances of developing asthma.
    • An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
      By: Alila
      An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
    • Chest x-rays are often used so the doctor can better evaluate the seriousness of asthma.
      By: IvicaNS
      Chest x-rays are often used so the doctor can better evaluate the seriousness of asthma.
    • Chronic allergies may cause asthma.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Chronic allergies may cause asthma.
    • A physician may determine the severity of asthma by listening to a patient's chest with a stethoscope.
      By: leelaryonkul
      A physician may determine the severity of asthma by listening to a patient's chest with a stethoscope.
    • Coughing can be one part of an asthma attack.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Coughing can be one part of an asthma attack.
    • People with chronic asthma should keep inhalers on them.
      By: perfectmatch
      People with chronic asthma should keep inhalers on them.
    • People who have a familial history of chronic asthma are likely to inherit the condition.
      By: Photographee.eu
      People who have a familial history of chronic asthma are likely to inherit the condition.
    • It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
      By: robyelo357
      It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
    • Childhood obesity is a risk factor for developing chronic asthma.
      By: olegmalyshev
      Childhood obesity is a risk factor for developing chronic asthma.
    • Children with chronic asthma may receive breathing treatments.
      By: bnmk0819
      Children with chronic asthma may receive breathing treatments.