What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition which affects the lungs and airways of the body. People with asthma have sensitive airways which react promptly in the presence of ‘triggers’. The airways swell and thus they become narrow making it difficult to breathe.
Normal Airways Asthmatic Airways
The main symptoms of asthma include
§ Coughing
§ Wheezing
§ Shortness of Breath
§ Tightness in the chest
Who Gets Asthma?
The origins of asthma are still unknown, however there often a family history of asthma or hayfever. For this reason, asthma can begin at any age however it is most common in children.
In 2004 in Australia, it was recorded that 1 in 6 children have asthma and 1 in 9 adults have asthma.
The statistics show that 13% of women were asthmatics in comparison to 11% of men.
