Asthma: Exploring the Body’s Reaction

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Asthma is a condition that can have serious side effects. If you are someone you love suffers from asthma, gaining a better understanding of this condition is essential. Gaining a deeper understanding of asthma requires first taking a closer work at the three physical reactions associated with this condition.

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Airway Obstruction

When you breathe normally, the bands of muscle that surround your airways are relaxed and allow air to move freely. With asthma, these bands tighten and prevent air from moving freely. This reaction may be triggered by a number of factors, including having a cold or respiratory virus, engaging in physical activity or coming in contact with an allergen or other environmental triggers. The resulting airway obstruction will make you feel a shortness of breath. In addition, the tightened airways will result in wheezing, or a whistling sound when you breathe. Fortunately, this narrowing can be reversed, helping to reopen the airways and allow for proper and effective breathing.

Inflammation

People who suffer from asthma have bronchial tubes that are inflamed, which means they are red and swollen. The inflammation caused by asthma is believed to be the greatest source of the long-term damage associated with the condition. Therefore, treating this inflammation is the key to effectively managing asthma.

Airway Irritability

Having asthma makes your airways sensitive. As a result, they have the tendency to overreact and to narrow in response to even the slightest triggers, including dust, animal dander, pollen and fumes.

If you suffer from asthma, it is important to take a two-prong approach to treatment. First, you must take steps to help prevent asthma attacks from occurring. Next, you need to take the proper steps to minimize the damage resulting from those attacks. Dr. Crismon, MD of Advanced Spine & Rehab can help to address all of the problems associated with asthma. More than your average Phoenix Chiropractor, Dr. Crismon is able to address a wide range of conditions, illnesses and injuries.