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More than 3 million cases of asthma are reported each year, with the prevalence being higher in children. It is actually the most common chronic condition among children, but there is no shortage of adults with asthma. Asthma can be mild and occasional or severe and persistent. Typical treatments of asthma include avoiding known allergens, anti-inflammatory medications, and allergy shots. You may find that it's too difficult to avoid all known allergens. Or you may prefer to get to the root of the issue rather than take medications that suppress your immune system. Let's take a look at the 3 main asthma conditions and how you can naturally relieve and improve symptoms.
What are the Asthma Types, Symptoms and Causes
Asthma is a type of COPD characterized by chronic inflammation and swelling of the airways leading to the lungs. This inflammation and swelling causes excess mucus in the airways making it difficult to breathe. Studies have shown that it can be hereditary but it is mainly environmentally triggered. There are three main types of asthma: allergy based asthma, cough based asthma, and exercise induced asthma. Allergy and cough based asthma are caused by exposure to irritants such as pollen, cat or dog hair, pine, dust, or mold. Cough or occupational based asthma can also be caused by air pollutants. While exercise asthma may be induced by intense bouts of exercise, such as running.Other Causes and Risk Factors of Asthma Include:
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Drastic temperature changes
- Synthetic drugs
- Genetics *typically not completely genetic
- Allergies
- Exposure to indoor allergens such as dust, mold, and other microbes
- Autoimmune disorders or other chronic health conditions that affect the lungs
Symptoms of Asthma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble sleeping associated with the above symptoms