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Asthma

A chronic condition that affects the airways, causing wheezing, breathlessness,

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Asthma

Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma, also called bronchial asthma, is a disease that affects your lungs. It’s a chronic (ongoing) condition, meaning it doesn’t go away and needs ongoing medical management.

Asthma affects more than 25 million people in the U.S. currently. This total includes more than 5 million children. Asthma can be life-threatening if you don’t get treatment.

What is an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, three things can happen:

  • Bronchospasm: The muscles around the airways constrict (tighten), making your airways narrow.
  • Inflammation: The lining of your airways becomes swollen, restricting airflow.
  • Mucus production: Your body creates more mucus, which clogs the airways.

When your airways get tighter, you may wheeze when you breathe. An asthma attack is also called an exacerbation or a flare-up, indicating that your asthma isn’t controlled.

What types of asthma are there?

Asthma is categorized based on the cause and severity of symptoms:

  • Intermittent: Symptoms come and go, allowing normal breathing in between flares.
  • Persistent: Symptoms occur much of the time and can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Asthma can also be:

  • Allergic: Triggered by allergens like molds, pollens, and pet dander.
  • Non-allergic: Triggered by factors like exercise, stress, illness, and weather.
  • Adult-onset: Begins after the age of 18.
  • Pediatric: Often begins before age 5, and children may outgrow it.
  • Exercise-induced: Triggered by physical activity.
  • Occupational: Affects people working around irritating substances.
  • Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): Occurs when both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are present.

Who can get asthma?

Anyone can develop asthma at any age. Those with allergies or exposure to tobacco smoke, including secondhand and thirdhand smoke, are at higher risk. Statistics show that people assigned female at birth tend to have asthma more than those assigned male at birth, and asthma affects Black people more frequently than other races.

What are common asthma attack triggers?

Triggers can vary between individuals but may include:

  • Air pollution (factory emissions, car exhaust, wildfire smoke).
  • Dust mites.
  • Exercise.
  • Mold from damp areas.
  • Pests like cockroaches and mice.
  • Pet dander.
  • Tobacco smoke.
  • Strong chemicals or smells.
  • Certain occupational exposures.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

Common symptoms include:

  • Chest tightness, pain, or pressure.
  • Cough
  • Coughing (especially at night).
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Wheezing.

Symptoms can vary with each flare and may change over time.

How do healthcare providers diagnose asthma?

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and symptoms, including any family history of allergies or lung diseases. They may order spirometry to measure airflow through your lungs, along with other tests like chest X-rays or skin tests.

What asthma treatment options are there?

Management options include:

  • Bronchodilators: Relax the muscles around your airways for immediate relief.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines: Reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways.
  • Biologic therapies: Used for severe asthma when other treatments are insufficient.

Medications can be administered via inhalers, nebulizers, or orally.

What is asthma control?

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, allowing you to engage in daily activities without interruption from asthma.

How can I prevent an asthma attack?

Identifying and avoiding triggers is key to preventing attacks. While asthma itself cannot be prevented, managing triggers can help.

What’s the outlook for someone with asthma?

With proper management, individuals with asthma can lead productive lives and participate in various activities.

What is an asthma action plan?

Your healthcare provider will help you create a plan detailing how to use medications and what to do based on your symptoms.

What should I do if I have a severe asthma attack?

Use your rescue inhaler immediately. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency medical care.

Additional Common Questions

For questions about asthma diagnosis, management, and its relationship with conditions like COVID-19, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.