Asthma

Asthma is a disease that affects many people, with some suffering severe issues. Asthma is a disease that affects the airways in your lungs. The airways become sensitive and may react to allergies or something that irritates them. In an asthma attack, the airways constrict (become narrower) and it becomes hard to breathe. Some people have attacks that are so severe that they die from not getting enough oxygen.

Some common signs and symptoms:

- Coughing (coughing may be worse in the morning or at night, making it hard to sleep)

- Wheezing (wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)

- Chest tightness (this may feel like something is pressing down or squeezing your chest)

- Shortness of breath (you may feel like you can’t catch your breath and can’t get air out your lungs)

Since these symptoms are similar to other issues, your doctor may use a lung function test, medical history, and physical examination to determine if you have asthma.

Some things may make your symptoms worse. These include:

- Allergens (things like pollen, dust, or mold that you’re allergic to)

- Irritants such as cigarette smoke or air pollution

- Sulfites in foods and drinks

- Upper respiratory infections

- Physical exertion

Treatment

Treatment involves many aspects, including avoiding things that may trigger an asthma attack. Your doctor will help you tailor a plan that will be the most beneficial.

There are two types of asthma medication: long-term medications that you take regularly to help reduce asthma attacks and quick relief or rescue medications that will quickly help relieve an acute asthma attack.

For more detailed information on the treatment of asthma, visit How Is Asthma Treated and Controlled? (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute).

For more information on asthma, visit these sites:

Asthma (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Asthma (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

Metered-Dose Inhaler: How to Use It Correctly (American Academy of Family Physicians)