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Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory disease that causes the airways leading to the lungs to become inflamed, swollen, and narrow. This narrowing makes breathing difficult and often triggers coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Asthma is managed, not cured, and requires a daily plan to control symptoms and prevent severe flare-ups, known as asthma attacks.
read more about asthma ...An asthma flare-up (or attack) occurs when a person is exposed to specific triggers that irritate the sensitive airways. Common triggers include airborne allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), respiratory infections (colds, flu), exercise (exercise-induced asthma), cold air, tobacco smoke, and strong odors or fumes.
During an attack, three main things happen in the airways:
1) Inflammation (swelling) of the bronchial tubes
2) Bronchospasm (the muscles surrounding the airways tighten and constrict)
3) Mucus production increases, further blocking the narrowed airways. This combination severely limits the amount of air that can move in and out of the lungs.
Asthma management relies on two main types of inhaler medication:
Controller medications (usually inhaled corticosteroids) are taken daily to reduce chronic inflammation and prevent attacks.
Reliever medications (short-acting bronchodilators) are quick-acting inhalers used only during an attack to immediately relax the muscles around the airways and open them up.
Asthma is diagnosed using a medical history review and lung function tests. The most common test is spirometry, which measures how much air a person can breathe out and how quickly they can do it. The results help the doctor assess the severity of the airway obstruction and confirm the diagnosis.
Is it safe to exercise if I have asthma?
Yes. Exercise is healthy for people with asthma. For those with exercise-induced asthma, a doctor will recommend using a reliever inhaler 15–30 minutes before starting any physical activity.
Do children always outgrow asthma?
No. While some children's symptoms may improve or disappear as they age, many continue to have asthma as adults. The severity and frequency of symptoms can change over time.
Is a cough always a sign of an asthma attack?
Not always, but a chronic dry cough, particularly one that worsens at night or after exercise, can be the main symptom of a type of asthma known as cough-variant asthma.