2) Other allergies – Someone who is allergic to many things may have a tendency to develop asthma.
3) Obesity – Being overweight strains the system in general and can affect breathing.
4) Smoking – Sucking smoke into the lungs can aggravate any existing problems in that area. Those who work in smoky environments – waiters, waitresses, bartenders, performers – may develop asthma.
5) Exhaust exposure – Mechanics who work in closed bays may develop breathing problems based on that exposure.
6) Other occupations – Farmers, hairdressers and others who work in proximity to chemicals and grasses may develop asthma.
Signs of asthma include sleep interference from coughing or wheezing; having to miss school or work because of breathing issues; and the need to visit an emergency room because of breathing issues. Respiratory infections or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can mimic asthma symptoms, so a complete physical will be needed to determine whether the cause of breathing issues is asthma or something else.
There is no cure for asthma. But its symptoms can be controlled with an inhaled medication that will expand breathing passages and provide temporary relief.
Here are some facts about the disease that everyone who has the condition or knows someone with it should know:
1) Asthma can get worse – There are flare-ups of the disease that become more frequent and severe over time. This is marked by increased breathing difficulties and the need to use an inhaler more frequently.