Alexandra Belzer, PNP

Asthma is a chronic lung disease where the tissue and airways of the lungs become extremely sensitive to certain substances. When these substances are breathed in, the lungs become inflamed. The muscles around the airways tighten and squeeze the lungs, and passages within the lungs swell and tighten. The airways themselves produce mucus, which further clogs the tightened, swollen airways. A person having an asthma attack finds it very difficult to breathe, and a severe attack can even be fatal.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but people with asthma are most often diagnosed as children. Symptoms can include wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, and coughing. Some people have mild symptoms all the time, and some people have no symptoms at all, but everyone with asthma is susceptible to occasional severe attacks or flare-ups of symptoms when they are exposed to triggers. Triggers vary widely but can include:

• Allergens (dust mites, pet fur, mold, pollen, grass)
• Irritants (smoke, pollution, dust, chemicals)
• Viral infections
• Physical activity, especially outdoors
• Certain medications or chemicals in foods (aspirin, sulfites)

Mental health issues, also referred to as mental health disorders or mental health illnesses, are a wide variety of conditions that impact behavior, emotion, and cognition. There are many different forms of mental health issues, some of which are acute (short-term), while others are chronic. Common mental health issues include:

• Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and phobias
• Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
• Personality disorders, such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorders
• Grief and trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Impulse control and addiction disorders
• Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

No single cause of mental health issues exists. Multiple factors may increase one's risk for developing mental health issues, including but not limited to:

• Genetic history
• Chemical imbalances in the brain
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Substance use
• Exposure to viruses, chemicals, or other substances in the womb
• Adverse life experiences, such as childhood trauma or recurring stress
• Isolation and poor living conditions