More about Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs which can make it hard to breathe. The airways themselves are very sensitive and become obstructed making it difficult to get air out.

Are there different types of asthma?

There are different types of asthma. People who are diagnosed with asthma as children tend to experience different symptoms than those who are diagnosed as adults. Some asthma is more linked to allergies. Some asthma in women can be affected by changes in hormones.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

The main symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Other conditions can have these symptoms as well, so it is important to consult an asthma specialist to receive a proper diagnosis.

What are asthma triggers?

Triggers are factors that can bring on an asthma attack.

Controlling your environment by reducing or stopping exposure to your triggers is an important part of treatment. Every person with asthma has different triggers. The following are common triggers: dust mites, animal dander, pollens, indoor molds, cockroaches, tobacco smoke, infections, strong odors, stress, exercise, respiratory infections, and hormones. You do not have to avoid exercise if you have asthma; in fact, exercise is strongly encouraged. Premedicating with an inhaler before exercise can help reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects the airways in the lungs. The airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the airways can become inflamed and narrowed at times. This makes it harder for air to flow out of your airways when you breathe out.

It affects people of all ages and often starts during childhood. Certain things can set off or worsen asthma symptoms, such as pollen, exercise, viral infections, or cold air. These are called asthma triggers. When symptoms get worse, it is called an asthma attack.

There is no cure for asthma, but treatment and an asthma action plan can help you manage it. The plan may include monitoring, avoiding triggers, and using medicines.

How asthma affects the lungs

Normally, the body’s immune system helps fight infections. But it may also respond to other things you breathe in, such as pollen or mold. In some people, the immune system reacts strongly by creating inflammation.

When this happens, the airways swell, narrow, and may create more mucus. The muscles around the airways may also tighten. This can make it even harder to breathe. Over time, the airway walls can become thicker.

What can be done to address this problem?