Asthma is an inflammatory disorder causing the airways to become narrow and inflamed. It affects the way air enters and leaves the lungs and disrupts breathing. It becomes difficult for someone with this disorder to breathe when allergens or irritants make contact with the inflamed airways.

1. Asthma and breathing issues
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder causing the airways to become narrow and inflamed. It affects the
way air enters and leaves the lungs and disrupts breathing. It becomes difficult for someone with this
disorder to breathe when allergens or irritants make contact with the inflamed airways.
Symptoms of Asthma
People with asthma experience symptoms when the airways tighten, inflame, or fill with mucus.
Common asthma symptoms include:
 Coughing, especially at night
 Wheezing
 Shortness of breath
 Chest tightness, pain, or pressure
Still, not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You may not have all of
these symptoms, or you may have different symptoms at different times. Your asthma symptoms may
also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one and severe during another.
Some people with asthma may go for extended periods without having any symptoms, interrupted by
periodic worsening of their symptoms called asthma attacks. Others might have asthma symptoms
every day. In addition, some people may only have asthma during exercise or asthma with viral
infections like colds.
Causes of asthma
The fundamental causes of asthma are not completely understood. The strongest risk factors for
developing asthma are a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental exposure to inhaled
substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways, such as:

2.  indoor allergens (for example house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture,
pollution and pet dander)
 outdoor allergens (such as pollens and moulds)
 tobacco smoke
 chemical irritants in the workplace
 air pollution
Other triggers can include cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical
exercise.
Asthma can be a serious, life threatening condition if it is not dealt with correctly. The experts at AOK
Emergency Room Houston recommends the correct medications, treatments and lifestyle changes that
will enable patients to lead healthy and active lives.
http://houstonemergencycare.webs.com/