Asthma Overview
Asthma Explained
Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways to the lungs are persistently inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. When a trigger causes symptoms to flare, the airways become further swollen and the muscles surrounding them tighten, producing symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma symptoms are typically closely related to physical activity.
Asthma Overview FAQ
Who is at risk for asthma?
People with a family history of allergies or asthma are more likely to develop asthma. Additionally, people who have asthma may also be prone to allergies, as the two conditions are closely linked.
How is asthma diagnosed and treated?
Asthma is diagnosed through a physical exam and lung function tests such as spirometry, peak flow measurement, body box plethysmography, and other asthma tests. Once diagnosed, treatment options include asthma inhalers, bronchodilators, leukotriene inhibitors, biologics, and nebulizers. Ongoing management involves taking asthma medication as prescribed, avoiding known triggers, and in some cases, immunotherapy.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
The most common asthma symptoms are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and nighttime asthma. Symptoms can range in severity and are often connected to physical exertion or exposure to a trigger.
What triggers asthma symptoms?
Asthma symptoms are set off by triggers, which vary from person to person. Triggers can be allergy-related, such as animal dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen, or non-allergy-related, such as exercise, anxiety, temperature changes, air pollution, aerosols, chemicals, and smoking. Food and infections can also trigger asthma episodes.