Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects your airways — the tubes and passages that allow air to flow in and out when you breathe. Healthy airways in the lungs stay open and clear, helping you to breathe easily.
Asthma causes the airways to swell and tighten when you are exposed to certain triggers, making it difficult to breathe. Common asthma triggers include:
- Allergens like pollen or pet dander
- Smoke or other forms of air pollution
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Strong odors
- Medication
- Exercise
- Stress
Symptoms of asthma
Recognizing asthma can be tricky because its symptoms can be the same as those of other illnesses. However, people with asthma might notice patterns. For example, symptoms may come and go throughout the day or get worse at night or in the morning. Symptoms may show up during or after physical activity or after being exposed to an allergen or cold air.
Some common signs of asthma include:
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Diagnosing and treating asthma
If you think you may have asthma, talk to your doctor or other health care provider about your symptoms and what patterns you notice. In addition to a physical exam, your provider may perform breathing tests, such as spirometry, to determine how well your lungs are functioning. Depending on your situation, your doctor may also recommend allergy testing or other types of evaluations.
Prevention is an important part of treating asthma. Your provider will identify what causes your asthma attacks so you can take steps to avoid triggers, such as limiting exposure to certain allergens or finding effective ways to cope with stress.
Treatment may also include the following types of medications:
Medications for short-term relief. These work best if you have mild asthma and need quick relief from the occasional asthma attack. These medications can reduce inflammation that makes it hard to breathe, or relax tight muscles in the airways, allowing air to pass through.
Medications for long-term control. Control medicines are taken daily to prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. These medications can reduce inflammation and prevent narrowing of the arteries.