Asma

If you'd like to see more scientifically accurate 3D medical images, subscribe to our channel:    / nucleushealthvideose   MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Asthma is a lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Normally, as you inhale, air flows freely through the trachea and then through large tubes called bronchi, through smaller tubes called bronchioles, and finally into tiny air sacs called alveoli. Tiny blood vessels called capillaries surround the alveoli. Oxygen from the air you breathe passes into the capillaries, and then carbon dioxide from the body leaves the capillaries and travels to the alveoli so that the lungs can get rid of it when you exhale. The bronchioles expand when the air is warm and moist and free of irritants and allergy-causing substances called allergens. When the air is cold or dry, or contains irritants or allergens, the bronchioles constrict. If you have asthma, your airways become inflamed and swollen frequently. Some substances can cause the inflamed airways to overreact, leading to an asthma attack. Triggers for asthma attacks vary slightly from person to person, but they generally include outdoor irritants and allergens such as pollen, smoke, pollution, and cold weather; indoor irritants and allergens such as mold, pet dander, dust mites, and cockroach droppings; allergy-causing foods such as fish, shellfish, eggs, peanuts, and soy; and conditions such as respiratory infections, stress, strong emotions, and exercise. Symptoms of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. During an asthma attack, also known as bronchospasm, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten, and the airway walls become even more inflamed. The airways also produce thick mucus, which narrows them further, making it difficult to breathe. If you have asthma, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce airway inflammation, the constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways, or the mucus secretion in the airways. During an asthma attack, you may need to use a short-acting rescue medication called a bronchodilator. This medication causes the airway muscles to relax quickly and relieves symptoms within minutes. Since there is no cure for asthma, the goal is to prevent asthma attacks by using long-acting, anti-inflammatory controller medications. Taking these medications every day will reduce airway inflammation, making the airways less sensitive to asthma triggers. ANH12078es