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What can be the long-term effect of untreated or poorly controlled asthma?
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The airway changes may become permanent if asthma is untreated or poorly controlled.
Describe the role of inflammation in asthma.
Inflammation in asthma causes the airways to become swollen and irritated, leading to a narrowed airway and difficulty in air flow.
What is the primary characteristic of asthma as a chronic lung disease?
Asthma is marked by constant swelling or inflammation inside the airways, which can cause breathing problems throughout a person's life.
How does tobacco smoke act as a trigger for asthma?
Tobacco smoke irritates the airways causing inflammation, extra mucus production, and bronchoconstriction, which can trigger an asthma attack.
How do the lungs of an asthma patient react to triggers that may not affect others?
The lungs react by becoming swollen, producing extra mucus, and the muscles around the airways can tighten, leading to a narrowed airway and difficulty in breathing.
What happens during extra mucus production in the airways of an asthma patient?
Extra mucus production clogs the airway, further narrowing the airway opening and making it hard to breathe.
Why is it important to manage asthma triggers?
Managing asthma triggers is important to prevent airway changes that lead to asthma attacks and to maintain better control over asthma symptoms.
What effect does laughing have on asthma?
Laughing can act as a trigger for some asthma patients, potentially leading to an asthma attack.
What are the combined changes that occur during an asthma attack?
During an asthma attack, inflammation, extra mucus production, and bronchoconstriction all combine to narrow the airways, making it hard to breathe.
What are some common triggers that can induce an asthma reaction?
Common triggers include dust, tobacco smoke, and laughing.
What are the signs that an asthma attack might be occurring?
Signs of an asthma attack include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest.
How can permanent airway changes be prevented in asthma patients?
Permanent airway changes can be prevented by effectively managing asthma through proper medication, avoiding triggers, and regular medical care.
Explain bronchoconstriction and its effect on asthma patients.
Bronchoconstriction is the tightening of the muscles around the airways, reducing the airway opening and making it difficult to breathe.
What are the symptoms of an asthma attack?
The symptoms of an asthma attack include difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, wheezing, and coughing.
Where can one find more information about asthma?
More information about asthma can be found at [lung.org](http://lung.org).
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