Asthma can restrict one's ability to function normally in every day activities, and for some, hinder their ability to live a typical lifestyle. Various medications and precautions are available to keep consistent control of asthma. The most common of available medications are inhaled medicines. Medications taken through inhalers, as opposed to pill and liquid forms, have an immediate effect on airways affected by asthma and lowers absorption into the rest of the body. Developing habits of using a peak flow meter to measure how much air you can exhale can warn you of when an attack is coming. One sign that your asthma is acting up is if you are unable to forcibly exhale a certain amount of air. In this case take necessary steps as instructed by a doctor to prevent an attack.

When taking medication for asthma, patients need to check with their doctor to see if other medications will conflict with their asthma and which over-the-counter medicines should be avoided. It is known that aspirin and decongestants can conflict with common asthma medications, and could worsen symptoms. The weather also has an affect on asthma. As temperatures decrease those with asthma need to take extra precautions to always have medicine on hand that provide immediate relief. They also should make sure medications that are meant to be taken regularly are used as prescribed by their doctors. Doing so will help keep control of asthma during winter seasons.

Asthma is controllable and there are various ways to control it. Doctors have numerous tips for stopping and preventing asthma attacks and by following your doctor's advice controlling your asthma is achievable.

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Asthma is a common disease that has an affect on many people. Asthma causes inflammation of bronchial tubes in the lungs, and results in breathing complications varying for each person. Asthma causes a narrowing and swelling of airways and as a result normal air movement in and out of the lungs is impeded. Asthma does not affect air sacs or lung tissue but only disturbs bronchial tubes.
There are three major factors that cause asthma attacks: inflammation, hypersensitivity, and muscle constriction (bronchospasm).

Inflammation
When exposed to particles in the air, usually some kind of allergen or irritant, bronchial tubes become red and swollen. The tubes can then be blocked by clumps of sticky mucus that is produced by the inflamed tissue. Inflammation cells gather at these clumps and cause tissue damage. Narrowing of the airways is increased as damaged cells are discarded into airways and breathing becomes difficult to the person.

Hyperactivity
Chronically inflamed bronchial tubes can be very sensitive to allergens or other irritants causing a state of heightened sensitivity known as hypersensitivity or bronchial hyperactivity (BHR). When allergens and irritants are triggered, hyperactivity may result in increased swelling and narrowing of the airways. Though bronchial hyperactivity can be found in many degrees and in many individuals, it is most commonly found with greater severity in asthmatics, as well as allergic individuals not diagnosed with asthma. While some may have severe BHR and chronic symptoms, asthmatics may also have mild BHR and no chronic symptoms.

Bronchospasm
Asthma attacks cause the muscles around bronchial tubes to constrict and tighten. This condition known as bronchospasm is caused by nerves in the bronchial tubes.

When one experiences an asthma attack the typical results range from shortness of breath, to wheezing and coughing. Because airflow to and from the lungs is hampered a person cannot breath heavily, exercise normally, and in some cases cannot breath normally doing everyday tasks. Those with asthma should consult a physician to keep the affects of asthma to a minimum. Various medications are available to control asthma, but no permanent cure has been found.

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