Page 12 - Martial Science Magazine April 2018
P. 12
MARTIAL ARTS
AGAINST ASTHMA ATTACKS
By: David “Sensei“ Stainko – Master 7th Dan
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of the airways of the lungs. In developed
countries it affects 7- 10 % of population, and it has got an increasing tendency. In 2014, around
300 million people globally had asthma, mostly in North America and Europe and with lowest
rate in Africa.
Asthma was recognized as early as Ancient Egypt .The word asthma, given by Hypocrates in
450 BC, is from the Greek ἅσθμα, ásthma and it means “panting” .
The most frequent symptoms are wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person
they may become worse at night or with exercise. It is most common with children, more often
with boys. Later, there is an increasing number of women, especially at the older age.
Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors as air pollution and
allergens. Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over
time, and spirometry.
As there is no cure for asthma,, symptoms are prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens
and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists.
Medications are provided in the form of metered-dose inhalers.
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