User:Mr. Ibrahem/Asthma

Asthma is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms; classically wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Symptoms may disturb sleep or worsen with exercise. Asthma may also present with tiredness, recurrent colds, or poor fitness.

Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens. Other potential triggers include medications such as aspirin and other NSAIDs, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors. Diagnosis is generally based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry lung function testing. Asthma is classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate. It has traditionally been classified as atopic and non-atopic; thought this is an over simplification.

There is no cure. Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and controlled by the use of inhaled corticosteroids. Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), and antileukotriene agents may be used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids if symptoms remain uncontrolled. Treatment of rapidly worsening symptoms is usually with an inhaled beta-2 agonist, such as salbutamol, and corticosteroids taken by mouth. In very severe cases, intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, and hospitalization may be required.

In 2019, 262 million people globally had asthma, up from 183 million in 1990. It caused about 455,000 deaths in 2019, most of which occurred in the developing world. Asthma typically begins in childhood, more frequently before age 25 years, but the onset can be at any age. Boys are affected more frequently than girls and women more than men. Rates doubled over the second half of the 20th century, with higher rates in industrialized countries. There appears to be lower rates in people growing up in farming environments. Asthma was recognized as early as Ancient Egypt. The word "asthma" is from the Greek ἅσθμα, ásthma, which means "panting".