The simple description of asthma is that it is a condition that affects the bronchioles in the lungs. Every now and again these tiny airways that are the bronchioles constrict in individuals who have asthma, and it is this that causes the typical symptoms of the condition. How much these tiny airways narrow, and the duration of each “attack” varies a great deal.

Asthma is actually caused by an inflammation in the bronchioles but it hasn’t been recognized up to now why this actually happens. It is this inflammation that affects the muscles that surround the bronchioles and causes them to constrict. This constriction then makes it difficult for air to enter and leave the lungs.

Asthma

Asthma can manifest itself at any age, but usually starts during childhood. In western society, an average of one in ten children and one in twenty adults suffer from asthma. Although the condition does run in families, there are still plenty of people who have it while no other members of their family are affected.

The most common types of symptoms suffered are coughing and wheezing accompanied by breathlessness and a tightening of the chest. These symptoms can also vary from mild to severe in different individuals.
Nearly all asthma sufferers are treated with inhalers and these are small devices that deliver tiny doses of drugs directly into the airways, which relieves irritation in turn helping the airways to expand, making it easier to breathe.

Laryngitis is when the tissues of the larynx (the voice organ) become inflamed. Most people have experienced this disease at one time or another and it is usually linked to a viral infection in the upper airway. The inflammation can also be caused by other types of injury including overuse of the vocal chords; infection; inhaled irritants such as smoking; drinking alcohol; allergic reactions; and direct traumas.

Symptoms of acute laryngitis include the voice becoming hoarse, often reduced to a whisper as well as the feeling of needing to clear the throat constantly. In chronic laryngitis, loss of voice quality, a “lumpy” feeling in the throat and soreness or dryness, may be common symptoms. If there is pain swallowing or performing normal laryngeal movements, this is normally indicative of a more severe form of the condition.

Laryngitis

Early signs of infection by laryngitis include redness and dryness in the lining of the larynx along with stringy-like mucus between the vocal cords. When laryngitis is present due to a cold, the infection is usually dealt with by the body’s immune system after a few days. With chronic laryngitis, lifestyle changes can be a major factor in preventing an outbreak. These could include stopping smoking, avoiding food in the couple of hours preceding going to bed, using an extra pillow to keep the head raised and therefore avoiding problems with acid reflux (heartburn) from the stomach, and medication to decrease stomach acid.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects the nerves located in the brain and spinal cord, giving rise to issues with muscle control, balance and vision. It can also affect memory as well as associated mood swings and emotions.

MS sufferers can find that their symptoms are different from other sufferers, while also varying from day to day. Sufferers often find that the symptoms can get worse with exercise or heat. In general though, the most common symptoms of MS are problems with the eyes (blurring and double vision); muscle weakness or stiffness; fatigue; loss of coordination; bowel and bladder issues; tingling or numbness of the skin; general pain; anxiety and depression; difficulty swallowing and talking; and sexual problems. Although these may appear to be many symptoms, a sufferer is highly unlikely to develop all of them and certainly not at the same time.

There are four kinds of MS: benign MS, relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS. The exact reasons that an individual contracts the condition are not fully understood at this present moment in time, although several different factors are thought to be implicated. Although it is not a hereditary condition, having specific genes may make a person more susceptible to it. There could also be some environmental factors involved – bacteria or viruses may trigger the immune system to attack its own body. Also, the place of residence may be an issue. It is known, for example, that MS is more common in countries further from the equatorial regions.

Although there are treatments available for the symptoms of MS, there isn’t actually a cure at present.

Multiple Sclerosis