Asthma is a relatively common lung disease that causes inflammation and, in turn, swelling of the airways. This causes shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing and/or coughing when you try to breathe. The severity depends solely on the case in question; some people experience only mild discomfort, while others experience extremely painful attacks (Chen, 2015). Attacks are usually triggered by the inhalation of a certain substance that reacts with the bronchial muscles. Developing a better understanding of the nature of asthma, its effects, the factors that contribute to it, and who it affects has aided the asthma treatment process. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay To fully understand the disease, one must understand exactly what it does to the body. In asthma, when a certain substance is inhaled, the bronchial muscles of the airways become inflamed. This limits the amount of air that enters the lungs, causing discomfort and difficulty breathing. The amount of mucus produced may also increase, which can worsen conditions by making the airways even narrower. It can become fatal if the airways become completely closed. The exact cause of asthma is currently unknown, although researchers believe that one of the main contributing factors to the development of the disease is simply genetics. As with most diseases, if there is a family history of asthma among your loved ones, you are also at risk of contracting the disease. Shumaker (2013) believes that “asthma may also develop due to certain types of respiratory complications during early childhood.” Exposure to certain toxins in the air has also been considered as one of the possible factors. This chronic disease can affect anyone at any age, although the majority of cases develop during childhood. This condition can be managed with the help of your doctor. Asthma medications are usually self-administered using a device called an inhaler. The most popular type of inhaler is known as a beta-agonist bronchodilator. Beta-agonist medications are used to quickly relieve coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness associated with an asthma attack. They work by smoothing the bronchial muscles of the inflamed airways, allowing air to travel to the lungs much more easily. One or two puffs from the inhaler can be taken every four to six hours to safely ensure that symptoms disappear and any discomfort ceases. If the inhaler fails to do its intended job and symptoms persist or worsen, it is very strongly recommended that you go to the hospital. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. essayIn conclusion, asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. For most people, symptoms can be caused by exposure to things like pollen, pet dander, or large amounts of dust. Exercise and cold air are also known to be common triggers (Bennett, 2016). Asthma attacks or symptoms can be avoided by avoiding triggering substances. For the average modern person, dealing with asthma is easy and safe with the proper knowledge and precautions..