Did you know that Grammy award-winning singer P!NK has asthma?
Pink, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore-Hart, has revealed that she has been suffering from the chronic illness for years.
In December 2009, she spoke to Women’s Health and said, “I need to be able to run up the stairs as often as I do and sing at the same time.”
‘I’m asthmatic. I have to be on the treadmill singing to get my lungs right.”
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes them to become narrow, swollen and hypersensitive.
This restricts airflow to the lungs, making breathing difficult. Asthma can range from mild to severe and often occurs in episodes, commonly called asthma attacks.
Why does asthma happen?
Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. In people with asthma, the immune system overreacts to certain stimuli, causing airway inflammation and tightening of the surrounding muscles.
Common triggers include:
- Allergens such as dust mites, pollen and pet dander
- Respiratory tract infections
- Cold air
- Air pollution and smoke
- Excercise
- Strong emotions or stress
Symptoms of asthma
Symptoms may vary in intensity, but usually include shortness of breath, wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing), tightness in the chest, and persistent coughing.
Treatment and management
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed with the right treatment.
- Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation
- Bronchodilators (rescue inhalers) quickly relax the airway muscles during attacks
- Long-acting medications help prevent symptoms
- Avoiding triggers reduces flare-ups
- Regular monitoring and action plans improve control in the long term
Asthma is a chronic but manageable respiratory disease. With the right medication, lifestyle modifications, and early recognition of symptoms, most people with asthma can live active and healthy lives.
