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Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and airways in our body. It causes problems with breathing and includes symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. It is one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide. In 2019 alone, around 262 million people were affected by asthma, and 455,000 people died from it.
While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with medications prescribed by doctors and by understanding triggers that can start an asthma attack. In this article, we explain how asthma occurs and discuss common triggers that can be managed to reduce attacks.
In asthma, irritants or triggers can cause inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes), making them narrow. This results in shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness due to reduced airflow to the lungs.
Some contributing factors for asthma include:
Asthma triggers vary by person, but many fall into similar categories:
Exposure to allergens like dust mites can trigger asthma.
Management tips:
Smoke and dust can irritate the airways.
Management tips:
Strong emotions (anger, fear, excitement) or anxiety can trigger symptoms.
Management tips:
Medications such as aspirin and beta blockers may trigger asthma attacks.
Management tip:
Dabosmita is a Year 12 student who is endlessly curious and excited to explore new ideas. She actively engages with the latest developments in technology and medicine, while also enjoying deep, contemplative discussions in philosophy. Her interdisciplinary mindset and passion for learning drive her to seek knowledge beyond the classroom.
The idea of a “healthcare dream” for example becoming a nurse, doctor, surgeon, inspires many students, but unfortunately, the growing reality is that too many students lose interest in healthcare before they ever even begin.
For most of modern history, medicine has been based on the idea of the average patient. Doctors used standard drug doses and treatment plans and expected them to work for most people.
The idea of a “healthcare dream” for example becoming a nurse, doctor, surgeon, inspires many students, but unfortunately, the growing reality is that too many students lose interest in healthcare before they ever even begin.