More than

17 million Americans are estimated to have Asthma,

affecting more than 4.8 million children under 18,

according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and

Immunology.

Though the

disease is widespread, it was not always this way. The

prevalence of asthma has increased 75 percent from

1980-1994, according to statistics from the academy.

Though researchers have yet to pinpoint the cause for the

increase, allergic rhinitis is considered to be a main

risk. With the spring allergy season upon us, one should

know the causes and the treatment of asthma.

Asthma is a

chronic inflammatory disorder involving constriction of

the muscles lining the bronchial airways. Some symptoms

include coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and

shortness of breath. Asthmatic lungs are often referred

to as "twitchy," meaning they overreact to

stimuli that tend to be harmless to others, including

allergens and cold, dry air.

Other

causes of asthma irritants include strong odors and

sprays, viral or sinus infections, gastroesophageal

reflux disease, medication and foods and emotional

anxiety, according to the AAAAI.

During an

asthma attack, the muscles around the bronchial tubes

tighten, causing the airways to narrow. The bronchial

tubes are inflamed and become more swollen, while a thick

mucus is produced within the bronchial tubes.

To diagnose

asthma, a thorough history is taken and a physical

examination is performed, paying special attention to the

nose and sinuses for signs of a chronic infection. A

spirometer also is used to objectively measure the amount

of air inhaled and exhaled to determine the level of

airway obstruction. Allergy tests also are performed to

determine if certain allergens trigger asthma attacks.

During the test, a tiny amount of allergen is scratched

across or lightly pricked into the skin. If a person is

allergic to a specific allergen, a red bump will appear

on the skin.

Although

there is no cure, there are effective treatment methods,

says the academy. Medication therapies are designed to

minimize the inflammation of the airways. There are many

options including corticosteroids, usually prescribed in

inhaler form, anti-leukotrines, which fight the

inflammatory response typical of allergic disease, and

bronchodilators, which are generally used as asthma

"rescue medications" to relieve the symptoms of

an asthma attack at the moment of the attack.

If you

experience any of these symptoms or have any questions,

you should consult your physician, the AAAAI advises. If

it is diagnosed early, people who have asthma will be

able to breathe easier.