JoeMedic

Alphabetical Health Series

Welcome to our Alphabetical Health Series! Each week, we'll be exploring a new health topic, from A to Z. Our goal is to educate and raise awareness on various health conditions, are treatments, and wellness tips.

This Week: Asthma

Asthma 101

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that's characterized by airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and reversible obstruction. But what does that even mean?

- Causes: Asthma can be triggered by a combo of genetic and environmental factors, like family history, allergies, respiratory infections, air pollution, and to***co smoke.

- Symptoms: If you have asthma, you might experience wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and nocturnal symptoms (aka nighttime attacks).

- Treatment: The good news is that asthma can be managed with the right treatment, including inhalers, medications, and lifestyle changes.

- How Inhalers Work: Inhalers deliver medication straight to the lungs, where it can work its magic. It binds to specific receptors, relaxes airway muscles, and increases airflow.

- What's Happening in the Lungs: Chronic inflammation leads to hyperresponsiveness, airway constriction, and thickening of airway walls and blood vessels.

Stay tuned for our next post on B!