There are instances that cough is the only symptom. Most common symptoms of asthma are cough (with or without mucus production), dyspnea, and wheezing (first on expiration, then possibly during inspiration as well).The signs and symptoms of asthma can be easily identified, so once the following symptoms are observed, a visit to the physician is necessary. This can trigger constriction of the airway leading to asthma. Irritants can be seasonal (grass, tree, and weed pollens) or perennial (mold, dust, roaches, animal dander). Allergy is the strongest predisposing factor for asthma. Here are some of the factors that influence the development of asthma. The total economic cost of asthma exceeds $27.6 billion.ĭespite increased knowledge on the pathology of asthma and the development of improved medications and management plans, the death rate from the disease continues to rise.Asthma accounts for more than 497, 000 hospitalizations annually.Asthma affects more than 22 million people in the United States.As asthma becomes more persistent, the inflammation progresses and other factors may be involved in the airflow limitation.Īsthma is considered the most common chronic disease of childhood and is a disruptive disease that affects school and work attendance. Acute bronchoconstriction due to allergens results from a release of mediators from mast cells that directly contract the airway. These chemicals perpetuate the inflammatory response, causing increased blood flow, vasoconstriction, fluid leak from the vasculature, the attraction of white blood cells to the area, and bronchoconstriction. When the mast cells are activated, it releases several chemicals called mediators. The underlying pathophysiology in asthma is reversible and diffuse airway inflammation that leads to airway narrowing. Asthma, the most common chronic disease of childhood, can begin at any age.Patients with asthma may experience symptom-free periods alternating with acute exacerbations that last from minutes to hours or days.Inflammation ultimately leads to recurrent episodes of asthma symptoms.Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes airway hyperresponsiveness, mucosal edema, and mucus production.