Supper

Asthma is a bronchial spasm or narrowing of the tracheal bronchial tree due to inflammation. This inflammation may be temporary, related to an inhalation of various antigens like pollen, dust, or mold spores. In addition, it may be complicated by infection, which causes further narrowing of the bronchial tree and the typical diagnosis here would be asthmatic bronchitis.

Asthma affects an estimated 17 million people in the U.S. alone

Australia has one of the highest prevalence of asthma in the world

Over 700 Australians die from asthma each year, and many of these deaths may be preventable.

Asthma sufferers have very sensitive airways, and when they are exposed to certain triggers, their airways narrow making it difficult for them to breathe. There are two main factors that cause airways to become narrow:

- The inside lining of the airway becomes red and swollen and extra mucus is often produced

- The muscles around the airways tighten

Trigger factors for asthma may include

1.Viral respiratory infections 2. Exposure to known allergens, eg. dust mite, pollens, animal dander, moulds 3. Exposure to chemicals or other occupational sensitisers 4.Changes in weather, exposure to cool air 5. Exercise

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

1. pale, cool, clammy skin 2. coughing, especially at night 3. shortness of breath - using all the chest and diaphragm muscles to breathe 4.wheezing - a high pitched raspy sound on breathing 5. anxiety and distress