Quick Facts
Type:
Respiratory condition
Status:
Treatable and manageable
Prevalence:
About 1 in 13 people
Risk Factors:
Genetics, allergies, environment
About This Condition
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making breathing difficult. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. While asthma has no cure, its symptoms can be controlled with proper treatment and management.
Possible Causes & Triggers
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet dander)
- Respiratory infections
- Air pollution and irritants (smoke, chemicals)
- Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
- Cold air or sudden weather changes
- Stress and strong emotions
- Certain medications (aspirin, NSAIDs)
Symptoms
Symptoms vary in frequency and severity:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing (whistling sound when breathing out)
- Chest tightness or pain
- Coughing (often worse at night or early morning)
- Trouble sleeping due to breathing difficulties
- Rapid breathing
- Fatigue during physical activity
Prevention & Management
Medical Approaches
- Long-term control medications (inhaled corticosteroids)
- Quick-relief (rescue) inhalers
- Allergy medications or shots
- Biologic therapies for severe asthma
- Regular check-ups with healthcare provider
- Asthma action plan development
Lifestyle Approaches
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Use air purifiers and allergen-proof bedding
- Maintain healthy weight
- Regular moderate exercise
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Get vaccinated for flu and pneumonia
- Monitor air quality and pollen counts
Treatment Options
Asthma treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing symptoms. Most people with asthma use a combination of long-term control medications and quick-relief medications as needed.
Medical Treatments
- Inhaled corticosteroids (Flovent, Pulmicort)
- Long-acting beta agonists (Serevent, Foradil)
- Combination inhalers (Advair, Symbicort)
- Leukotriene modifiers (Singulair)
- Quick-relief bronchodilators (albuterol)
- Biologic therapies (Xolair, Nucala)
- Oral corticosteroids for severe attacks
Supportive Care
- Peak flow monitoring
- Breathing exercises
- Allergy management
- Smoking cessation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation for severe cases
- Education on proper inhaler technique
Potential Complications
Poorly controlled asthma can lead to:
- Severe asthma attacks requiring emergency care
- Permanent narrowing of bronchial tubes
- Missed work or school days
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Side effects from long-term medication use
- Increased risk of respiratory infections
- Anxiety and depression related to condition