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Thursday 6 March 2014

WHO IS AT RISK FOR ASTHMA

Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts in childhood. Young children who have frequent episodes of wheezing with respiratory infections, as well as certain other risk factors, are at the highest risk of developing asthma that continues beyond 6 years of age. These risk factors include having allergies, eczema (an allergic skin condition), or parents who have asthma.

Among children, more boys have asthma than girls. But among adults, more women have the disease than men. Its not clear whether or how sex and sex hormones play a role in causing asthma. Most, but not all, people who have asthma
have allergies.

Some people develop asthma because of exposure to certain chemical irritants or industrial dusts in the workplace. This is called occupational asthma.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA


Common asthma symptoms include: Coughing. Coughing from asthma is often worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep. Wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound that occurs when you breathe.
Chest tightness. This may feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest. Shortness of breath. Some people who have asthma say they cant catch their breath or they feel out of breath. You may feel like you cant get air out of your
lungs.
Not all people who have asthma have these symptoms. I llwwise, having these symptoms doesnt always mean that you have asthma. A lung function test, done along with a medical history (including type and frequency of your ms) and physical exam, is the best way to diagnose for certain.

types of asthma symptoms you have, how often llit«V occur, and how severe they are may vary over time. Si ntietlmes your symptoms may just annoy you. Other times Ihey may be troublesome enough to limit your daily routine.

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