What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition in which your airways become narrowed and swollen, which can make breathing difficult. Sometimes the mucus produced can cause coughing and wheezing.
Asthma can be a minor inconvenience for some people or a major problem that can interfere with daily activities and lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with medicine. Asthma often changes over time, so it is important to work with your doctor to track your symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.
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Medical terms
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects the airways and makes it difficult to breathe. It is caused by inflammation of the airways, which can lead to them narrowing and becoming blocked. Asthma attacks can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, pet dander, or other airborne irritants, as well as physical activities that involve heavy breathing. It is estimated that about 300 million people suffer from asthma worldwide and it is the most common chronic disease among children.
Asthma is a long-term lung condition that can cause difficulty in breathing. It is caused by inflammation of the airways, which can be triggered by a variety of environmental and other factors such as dust, smoke, or even stress. When someone with asthma experiences an attack, their airway muscles spasm and narrow, making breathing difficult. Severe cases can be life-threatening, so it is important to understand the causes and potential treatments for the condition.
Types of Asthma
Symptoms Asthma
The most common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.The severity of these symptoms can vary from mild to severe.Other symptoms may include a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and fainting spells.
Asthma is a disease of the lungs that affects people of all ages, but it most commonly occurs in children and young adults.Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and pain with activity.If a person has asthma, they may have one or more of these symptoms frequently during their lifetime.
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have infrequent asthma attacks, in which the symptoms only occur during certain times, such as during exercise. Other people have asthma symptoms all the time.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Asthma is often accompanied by an increased rate of breathing, called wheezing.
Having trouble sleeping because you can't breathe or cough easily?
If you are having a coughing or wheezing attack that is made worse by a respiratory virus such as a cold or the flu, then you may have the disease.
If your asthma is worsening, you might experience some of these signs:
Some asthma signs and symptoms are more frequent and bothersome.
The device measures how well your lungs are working and finds that breathing is becoming more difficult.
The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often is because of the flu.
Some people with asthma have trouble controlling their symptoms when certain situations arise:
Exercise-induced asthma,When the air is cold and dry, the leaves may be worse.
Occupational asthma,When workplace irritants such as chemical fumes or dust trigger symptoms,
Allergy-induced asthma,A reaction to airborne substances such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or particles of skin and saliva shed by pets can occur.
What are the different types of asthma?
There are many different types of asthma, but for simplicity’s sake, we will be looking at the two most common forms:
There are two main types of asthma.Chronic or persistent asthma is long lasting and usually can be managed using medication and lifestyle changes.If your asthma symptoms are not well controlled on a regular maintenance treatment, then you may have poorly controlled asthma.This type of asthma is usually more severe, with symptoms often worse at night, and you need to follow an action plan from your doctor to help manage it better. You will either take extra medication (reliever inhalers) or use an ‘
According to the National Health Service of Great Britain, there are three types of asthma.
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma is a condition that causes wheezing, breathlessness, tightness in the chest and coughing.It can be triggered by allergies, viral infections and exercise.You may have heard of asthma “relievers” such as inhalers but these are not cures for asthma and although they can be effective to stop symptoms when they are happening, there is no cure at present.
Can asthma be cured? Asthma is a long-term lung condition that affects the breathing and can affect anyone, of any age.It causes the airways in your lungs to become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult.The symptoms include wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing), coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and feeling out of breath.
Allergies are causing asthma.Asthma is caused by allergies.
Asthma is a disease treated by doctors.
According to the CDC, asthma is a chronic disease that affects a person’s breathing ability.Asthma is caused by inflammation and constriction of the airways in your lungs.Asthma has two types:
Asthma is a condition that causes your airways and lungs to become inflamed.If you suffer from asthma, you may experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or a tight chest.Asthma can be both mild and severe; however, some people have no symptoms at all.The severity of asthma can range from mild to life-threatening.This disease affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide and is on the rise in western countries like America and the United Kingdom.
When to see a doctor
If your asthma is severe, it can be life-threatening. You should work with your doctor to determine what to do if your symptoms get worse — and when you need emergency treatment. When signs of an asthma emergency occur, they include:
If shortness of breath or wheezing becomes worse rapidly, it may be a sign of a problem.
Even after using a quick-relief inhaler, there was no improvement.
When you are doing minimal physical activity, you may experience shortness of breath.
Contact your doctor
See your doctor:
If you think you have asthma.If you have frequent coughing or wheezing and any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your doctor. If asthma is treated early, it may prevent long-term damage to the lungs and help keep the condition from getting worse.
To monitor your asthma after diagnosis.If you have asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good long-term control can make you feel better from day to day and may prevent a life-threatening asthma attack.
- If your asthma symptoms get worse.If your medication doesn't seem to help relieve your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often, contact your doctor right away.If you are taking medication prescribed by your doctor, do not take more than the prescribed amount. Taking too much medication can cause side effects and might make your asthma worse.
To review your treatment.Your asthma may change over time. Talk to your doctor regularly so that you can discuss your symptoms and make any necessary treatment adjustments.
Causes Asthma
Some people develop asthma and others don't; it is probably due to a combination of environmental and inherited factors.
Asthma triggers
Allergens can cause signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers can vary from person to person, and they might include:
Allergens in the air such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, or cockroach waste can cause allergy symptoms.
Respiratory infections, such as the common cold, can happen.
Physical activity
Cold air
Smoke and air pollutants can be harmful.
Some medications, like beta blockers and aspirin, can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Other medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce pain.
Strong emotions and stress
Some foods and beverages contain sulfites and preservatives, which are chemicals that can make food taste sour or bitter.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach acids rise up into your throat.
What are 5 causes of asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways.It affects 7.4 million people in the UK and approximately 400 million worldwide, according to the Asthma UK charity.The condition is often triggered by an allergic reaction (allergy) to substances such as pollen, dust or animal fur.Other triggers include infections of the nose, throat or eyes, exercise and cold air.
Asthma is an acute inflammatory disease of the airways, known as bronchi, which are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs.Asthma causes recurrent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing.
Risk factors Asthma
Some factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. They include: -Having a family history of asthma -Having certain allergies -Having a very high level of exposure to environmental pollutants
Having a blood relative with asthma increases your risk of developing asthma.
Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis (which causes red itchy skin) or hay fever (which causes a runny nose and congestion, as well as itchy eyes)
Being overweight
Being a smoker
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Pollution can harm your health by exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollutants.
Occupational exposure to chemicals used in farming, hairstyling, and manufacturing can trigger symptoms.
Complications Asthma
Asthma complications include:
If you have trouble sleeping or are feeling tired, there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate this. These may include difficulty working or concentrating, feeling cranky or irritable, and being easily disturbed.
When you have a sick day from work or school, it means you are having an asthma attack.
A narrowing of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs (bronchial tubes) can make it difficult for you to breathe.
Severe asthma attacks are common in people who have emergency room visits or hospitalizations.
Some medications used to stabilize severe asthma can have side effects.
Treating asthma properly makes a big difference in how well it is controlled and in preventing both short-term and long-term complications.
Prevention Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs.It is an inflammatory condition involving the whole respiratory tract, from the nose to airflow passages within the lungs.Asthma is defined by a heightened sensitivity of airways to certain stimuli (such as allergens, cigarette smoke and other irritants) resulting in sudden onset of symptoms with rapid airway constriction.
and control Asthma is a chronic condition that causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.It is a common illness among children and adults; one in 12 people worldwide have asthma.The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that approximately 25 million Americans are diagnosed with asthma, but there are millions more who experience symptoms without having been diagnosed.
There is no way to prevent asthma, but you and your doctor can develop a plan to live with the condition and avoid asthma attacks.
- Follow your asthma action plan.Talk to your doctor and health care team about taking medications and managing an asthma attack. Make sure to follow their plan.Asthma is a condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. If you take control of your treatment, you can feel more in control of your life.
Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.Updating your vaccinations can prevent the flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups.
Identify and avoid asthma triggers.Outdoor allergens and irritants can trigger asthma attacks. Learn what causes your asthma to worsen and take steps to avoid those things.
- Monitor your breathing.If you notice any signs of an attack such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, you should get help.Make sure to regularly measure and record your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter. This will help your doctor figure out if your lung function is decreasing.
- Identify and treat attacks early.If you catch the illness quickly, it will be less severe. In addition, you will not need as much medication to control your symptoms.If your flow measurements decrease and you know this is an upcoming attack, take your medication as instructed. If the symptoms do not improve, seek medical help as directed in your action plan.
Take your medication as prescribed.Make sure to talk to your doctor before changing your medication regimen, even if your asthma seems to be improving. Bringing your medications with you every visit can help ensure that you are taking the correct dose and that your treatment plan is being followed.
Be aware of increasing use of quick-relief inhalers.If you need to use your quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol for asthma, your asthma isn't under control. Go see your doctor and discuss adjusting your treatment.
Diagnosis Asthma
Physical exam
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to find out if there are other possible conditions causing your symptoms, such as a respiratory infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They will also ask you about your signs and symptoms and about any other health problems.
Tests to measure how well your lungs are working.
You may be asked to take lung function tests to determine how much air moves in and out of your lungs. These tests may include:
Spirometry.This test measures how much air you can exhale after taking a deep breath and how quickly you can breathe out.
Peak flow. A peak flow meter is a device that measures how much air you can exhale in a short period of time. If your peak flow readings are lower than usual, this may mean that your lungs are not working as well and your asthma may be getting worse. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to track and deal with low peak flow readings. Readings.
Before taking a medication to open your airways, such as albuterol, a lung function test is often done. If the test shows that your lung function has improved, this may be evidence that you have asthma.
Additional tests
Other tests to diagnose asthma include:
Methacholine challenge.Methacholine is a known asthma trigger. When inhaled, it will cause your airways to narrow slightly. If you react to the methacholine test, it is likely that you have asthma. This test may be performed even if your initial lung function test is normal.
Imaging tests.A chest X-ray can help identify any abnormalities or diseases that can cause breathing problems.
Allergy testing.An allergy test can be performed by either a skin test or a blood test. This will tell you if you're allergic to pet dander, mold, or pollen. If it is determined that exposure to the allergen triggers your allergies, your doctor may recommend allergy shots.
Nitric oxide test.This test measures the amount of nitric oxide in your breath. If you have asthma, your airways may be inflamed and this will cause higher nitric oxide levels. This test is not commonly available.
Sputum eosinophils.This test looks for a certain type of white blood cell in the mixture of saliva and mucus that you discharge when you cough. Eosinophils are present when symptoms develop and become visible when stained with a rose-colored dye.
Exercise and cold weather tests are meant to provoke asthma attacks.Your doctor will measure how well your airway is working before and after you do some vigorous physical activity or take a few breaths of cold air.
How asthma is classified
Your doctor will classify your asthma severity based on how often you have signs and symptoms and how severe they are. He or she will also take into account your physical exam and diagnostic tests.
Your asthma severity is important to your doctor, who will decide on the best treatment plan that may change over time.
Asthma is classified into four types:
Treatment Asthma
Prevention is the key to stopping asthma attacks before they happen. Treatment usually involves learning to recognize your triggers, taking steps to avoid them, and keeping track of your breathing so that your medications are effective. If asthma symptoms become severe, seek immediate medical attention. If you experience a flare-up, you may need to use a quick-relief inhaler.
Medications
There are a number of medications that might be right for you depending on your age, symptoms, and asthma triggers. What works best to keep your asthma under control will vary depending on these things.
Preventive long-term control medications reduce inflammation in your airways, which can lead to symptoms. Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) quickly open blocked airways, and allergy medications may be necessary in some cases.
Long-term asthma control medications,Daily medications are the cornerstone of asthma treatment. These medications keep asthma under control on a day-to-day basis and make it less likely you will have an asthma attack. Types of long-term control medications include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids.These medications include fluticasone propionate (Flovent HFA Flovent Diskus Chance), budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler Pulmicort Respules Rhinocort), ciclesonide (Alvesco), beclomethasone (Qvar Redihaler), mometasone (Asmanex HFA Asmanex Twisthaler), and fluticasone furoate (Arnuity ElliptaIt may take several days to weeks for these medications to have their full effect. Unlike oral corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids have a low risk of serious side effects.
- Leukotriene modifiers.These medications help relieve asthma symptoms by working in the lungs. They include montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate) and zileuton (Zyflo).Montelukast has been linked to psychological reactions such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations, depression, and suicidal thinking. If you experience any of these reactions, please seek medical advice right away.
Combination inhalers.These medications, such as Advair HFA (fluticasone-salmeterol), Symbicort (budesonide-formoterol), Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate-vilanterol), and others, contain a long-acting beta agonist along with a corticosteroid.
Theophylline.Theophylline is a daily pill that helps open the airways by relaxing the muscles around them. It is not as often used as other asthma medications, and requires regular blood tests to check for side effects.
Quick-relief (rescue) medicationsQuick-relief medications are used to relieve symptoms during an asthma attack. They may also be used before exercise if your doctor recommends it. Some quick-relief medications include:
- Short-acting beta agonists.These quick-relief bronchodilators work quickly to ease symptoms during an asthma attack.These medications include albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, and others) and levalbuterol (Xopenex, Xopenex HFA).Short-acting beta agonists can be taken using a portable hand-held inhaler or a nebulizer. These machines convert asthma medications into a fine mist that is inhaled through a face mask or mouthpiece.
Anticholinergic agents.These medications relax your airways quickly, making breathing easier in cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. They can also be used to treat asthma.
Oral and intravenous corticosteroids. These medications, which include prednisone (Prednisone Intensol Rayos) and methylprednisolone (Medrol Depo-Medrol Solu-Medrol), relieve airway inflammation caused by asthma. They can have serious side effects if used for a long time, so these drugs are used only for a short time. Olive oil may be used to treat severe asthma symptoms.
If you have an asthma flare-up, an inhaler can help relieve your symptoms right away. But you should not need to use your inhaler very often if your long-term asthma control medications are working properly.
Make a record of how many puffs you use each week. If you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often than your doctor recommends, see your doctor. It is probably necessary to adjust the medication you are taking for long-term control.
Allergy medicationsCertain things may help if your asthma is worsened by allergies. These include:
Allergy shots (immunotherapy).Allergy shots over time gradually decrease your immune system's reaction to specific allergens.Usually, people receive shots once a week for a few months, then once a month for several years.
Biologics.These medications are meant for people with severe asthma. They include omalizumab (Xolair), mepolizumab (Nucala), dupilumab (Dupixent), reslizumab (Cinqair), and benralizumab (Fazenda).
Bronchial thermoplasty
This treatment is not commonly used, but it may be helpful for people who don't respond well to inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma medications. It is not right for everyone.
During bronchial thermoplasty, your doctor uses an electrode to heat the inside of your airways. This reduces the smooth muscle in the airways, which limits their ability to tighten and can lead to fewer asthma attacks. The therapy is generally very effective. This treatment will take place over three visits in an outpatient setting.
Take action based on severity: A step-by-step approach
Your treatment will be flexible, based on changes in your symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms at each visit. Based on what you tell them, your doctor can adjust your treatment.
If you have good asthma control your doctor may prescribe you less medication. If your asthma is not well controlled or is getting worse, your doctor may prescribe you more medication and recommend more frequent visits.
Asthma action plan
Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan that includes written instructions for taking medications at specific times or in specific doses based on your symptoms. Include a list of your triggers and the steps you need to take to avoid them.
Your doctor may recommend tracking your asthma symptoms or using a peak flow meter on a regular basis to monitor how well your treatment is controlling your asthma.
Lifestyle and home remedies
You can try some things to maintain your health and reduce the chances of having asthma attacks.
Avoid your triggers
Some steps you can take to control your asthma include reducing your exposure to asthma triggers. One way to do this is by doing things like:
Use your air conditioner.Air conditioning reduces the amount of pollen in the air from trees, grasses, and weeds outdoors. It also lowers indoor humidity, which reduces your exposure to dust mites. If you don't have air conditioning, try to keep your windows closed during pollen season.
Decontaminate your decor. To minimize nighttime symptoms, replace certain items in your bedroom. For example, cover pillows, mattresses, and box springs with dust proof covers. Do not use down-filled pillows and blankets. Replace carpeting with hardwood or linoleum flooring. Washable curtains and blinds should be cleaned with a mild soap and water.
Maintain optimal humidity.If you live in a damp climate, talk to your doctor about using a dehumidifier.
Prevent mold spores.Keep the bathroom, kitchen, and house clean to prevent mold from growing. Get rid of moldy leaves or damp wood in the yard.
Reduce pet dander.If you are allergic to dander, avoid pets that have fur or feathers. Giving your pet regular baths or haircuts may reduce the amount of dander in your environment.
Clean regularly.Make sure your home is clean at least once a week. If you're likely to stir up dust, wear a mask or have someone else do the cleaning. Wash your bedding on a regular basis.
If it is cold outside, cover your nose and mouth to avoid getting sick.If your asthma is worsened by cold or dry air, wearing a face mask can help.
Stay healthy
Taking care of yourself can help make your symptoms less severe, including:
- Get regular exercise.Having asthma doesn't mean you can't be active. Treatment can prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms during activity.Exercising regularly can strengthen your heart and lungs, which can help relieve asthma symptoms. If you exercise in cold temperatures, wear a face mask to warm the air you breathe.
Maintain a healthy weight.Being overweight can make asthma symptoms worse and increase your risk of other health problems.
Eliminate heartburn and GERD by controlling your diet.People who have frequent or constant heartburn may end up damaging their lungs. If you have heartburn, talk to your doctor about possible treatments. There is a chance that you may need treatment for GERD before your asthma symptoms improve.
Alternative medicine
Some alternative treatments may help with asthma symptoms. However, be aware that these treatments are not a replacement for medical treatment, and should only be used in conjunction with medications if you have severe asthma. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements, as some may interfere with the medications you take.
It is usually necessary to do more research to see how well alternative asthma treatments work and to determine the possible side effects. Some alternative asthma treatments include:
Breathing exercises.These exercises may lessen the amount of medication you need to control your asthma symptoms.
Herbal and natural remedies are treatments that use plants or other natural ingredients.Some natural remedies that may help improve asthma symptoms include black seed caffeine, choline, and pycnogenol.
Coping and support
Asthma is challenging and can be stressful. Sometimes you may become frustrated, angry, or depressed because you need to avoid environmental triggers to lessen your symptoms. You may also feel limited or embarrassed by your asthma and the management routines involved.
Asthma is not a permanent condition. The best way to overcome anxiety and a sense of helplessness is to understand your asthma and take control of your treatment. Here are some suggestions that may help:
Pace yourself.Take breaks between tasks and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse. Reducing the amount of stress in your life can help to reduce your symptoms.
Make a list of things to do each day.This will help you stay on track. When you accomplish simple goals, give yourself a reward.
Talk to other people who have your condition.Talking with other people who are facing the same challenges online can help you feel better. You can also find support groups in your area.
If your child has asthma, be supportive.try not to focus on the things your child can't do, and involve teachers, school nurses, coaches, and friends and relatives in helping your child manage asthma.
Preparing for your appointment
When you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a family doctor or general practitioner. However, if you phone to make an appointment you may be referred to an allergist or lung specialist.
Make sure to prepare well for your appointment. Appointments can be brief, so it's important to be prepared. This information will help you understand what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
Follow these steps to make the most of your appointment:
Keep a record of any symptoms you're experiencing.Please bring any materials that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
Note when your symptoms bother you most.When you are keeping track of your symptoms, write them down in a journal. For example, do your symptoms tend to get worse at certain times during the day or during certain seasons?
Write down key personal information,If you are making a card for a person who has been through a lot, include that information on the card.
Make a list of all medications,All of the vitamins and supplements that you're taking.
Take a family member or friend along,If possible, have someone accompany you during your appointment. If you forget something, they may be able to help you remember what was discussed.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your appointment with your doctor is limited, so make a list of questions that are the most important to you. Rank these questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. Some basic questions to ask your doctor about asthma include:
Do you think asthma might be the reason I have trouble breathing?
What are some other possible causes for my symptoms?
What kinds of tests do I need?
What is the likelihood of my condition lasting for a short time or for a longer period of time?
What's the best treatment?
What are some other ways to approach the problem you're discussing?
What are the best ways to manage my other health conditions together?
Do I need to follow any specific rules?
Should I see a specialist?
Can I use a different medicine to replace the one you're prescribing me?
Can I take any brochures or printed material home with me? What websites do you think I should visit?
Don't hesitate to ask questions during your doctor's appointment. Besides the questions you have prepared, feel free to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you a variety of questions. Being prepared to answer them may allow more time to go over any points you want to focus on. Your doctor may ask:
What exactly are your symptoms?
When did you first notice your symptoms?
How severe are your symptoms?
Can you usually breathe okay, or do you have trouble breathing in certain situations?
Do you have any allergies, such as hay fever or atopic dermatitis?
What if anything seems to worsen your symptoms? If you notice anything that makes your symptoms worse, please let us know.
What do you think may help improve your symptoms?
Do you have allergies or asthma?
Do you have any chronic health problems?
General summary
Asthma is a chronic illness that affects the airways making them more sensitive to certain triggers, causing them to become inflamed and constricted, making it difficult to breathe. The condition can cause coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma has no known cure, but it can be managed through medications and lifestyle changes. Asthma is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in children and can be a burden on the family if not managed properly.
Asthma is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a chronic respiratory disorder which causes difficulty in breathing. Asthma attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors such as allergens, exercise, and stress. Symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, and wheezing.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease which inflames and narrows the airways. This inflammation can lead to shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. To manage this condition, people with asthma use medications such as inhalers or nebulizers, as well as avoiding triggers when possible.