Asthma
About - Asthma is a common long-term condition that affects the airways—the tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs. In people with asthma, the airways can become inflamed, swollen and narrowed, and may produce excess mucus. This can make it difficult to breathe. Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person and may come and go over time. Some people have symptoms only when exposed to certain triggers, while others may experience symptoms more frequently. Asthma can affect children and adults. Although there is currently no permanent cure for asthma, the condition can usually be controlled with appropriate treatment, avoidance of triggers and regular medical care. Most people with well-controlled asthma can lead active and normal lives.
Asthma symptoms may be mild or severe and can occur occasionally or frequently. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Chronic or recurrent coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning
- Wheezing, a whistling sound while breathing
- Difficulty breathing during physical activity
- Trouble sleeping because of coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulty
- Difficulty speaking because of severe breathlessness
Symptoms may become worse during an asthma attack. Asthma symptoms can also be more noticeable at night, during exercise, after exposure to allergens or irritants, or during respiratory infections. Not everyone with asthma experiences wheezing. A persistent cough may sometimes be the main symptom, particularly in people with cough-variant asthma.
The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood. It is thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental and immune-system factors. In people who are susceptible to asthma, exposure to certain substances or conditions can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Asthma triggers vary from person to person. Common triggers include:
- Respiratory infections such as a cold, flu, sinusitis or bronchitis
- Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould and animal dander
- Air pollution
- Tobacco smoke and wood smoke
- Strong perfumes, sprays and cleaning products
- Workplace dust, fumes, chemicals and other airway irritants
- Cold or dry air
- Physical exercise
- Emotional stress and strong emotions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Hormonal changes, including around menstruation in some women
Some medicines, including aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain beta-blockers can trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible people. These medicines should not be stopped without medical advice.
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing asthma, including:
- A family history of asthma or allergic diseases
- Hay fever and other allergies
- Eczema
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
- Exposure to occupational dust, fumes or chemicals
- Obesity or being overweight
- Frequent exposure to air pollution
Asthma can develop at any age, although it commonly begins during childhood.
Asthma may be classified in different ways depending on its causes, symptoms and severity. Some commonly described types include:
This type of asthma is associated with exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould or animal dander. People with allergic asthma may also have conditions such as hay fever or eczema.
Symptoms occur without a clear allergic trigger. Respiratory infections, cold air, stress, exercise, smoke and other irritants may contribute to symptoms.
Some people develop asthma symptoms during or shortly after physical activity. This is often referred to as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).
Occupational asthma develops or worsens because of exposure to substances in the workplace, including dust, fumes, chemicals, gases or other irritants.
Asthma frequently begins during childhood. Symptoms can sometimes improve as children grow older, although asthma may persist into adulthood.
A healthcare professional will usually diagnose asthma based on the person’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination and lung-function testing. The doctor may ask about:
- How often symptoms occur
- Whether symptoms are worse at night or early in the morning
- Exposure to allergens or irritants
- Exercise-related symptoms
- Previous respiratory infections
- Family history of asthma or allergies
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Symptoms at school or at work
Depending on the person’s age and symptoms, tests may include:
- Spirometry: This is a common lung-function test that measures how much air a person can breathe out and how quickly.
- Peak expiratory flow: A peak-flow meter can measure how quickly air can be expelled from the lungs. Regular measurements may help monitor asthma control.
- Bronchodilator response testing: Lung function may be measured before and after using a bronchodilator medicine to determine whether airflow improves.
- Challenge testing: In selected cases, a healthcare professional may perform an exercise or other bronchial challenge test when asthma is suspected but routine testing is inconclusive.
- Allergy testing: Allergy tests may help identify allergens that could be contributing to symptoms.
Not every person with asthma needs every test. The appropriate evaluation depends on age, symptoms and medical history.
There is no single treatment that is suitable for everyone with asthma. Treatment is based on the severity of symptoms, risk of asthma attacks, age, other health conditions and response to treatment. The main goals of asthma treatment are to:
- Control symptoms
- Maintain normal activity levels
- Reduce the risk of asthma attacks
- Prevent long-term loss of lung function
- Minimize treatment-related side effects
Asthma medicines are generally divided into controller medicines and reliever medicines.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): These medicines reduce inflammation in the airways and are an important part of treatment for many people with persistent asthma.
- Combination inhalers: Some inhalers combine an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting bronchodilator. Depending on the specific medicine and treatment plan, these may be used for ongoing control and, in some cases, symptom relief.
- Reliever medicines: Fast-acting bronchodilators can quickly relax airway muscles and relieve acute symptoms. The specific reliever recommended depends on the individual’s asthma treatment plan.
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists: These oral medicines may be prescribed for selected patients.
- Biologic medicines: People with severe asthma that remains uncontrolled despite standard treatment may be candidates for specialist treatments such as biologic medicines.
- Oral corticosteroids: Short courses may be prescribed for some severe asthma exacerbations. Long-term use is generally avoided when possible because of the risk of side effects.
The choice of medicine and inhaler should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should use inhalers exactly as prescribed and should not stop controller treatment without medical advice.
Correct inhaler technique is important because incorrect technique can reduce the amount of medicine reaching the lungs. A healthcare professional should demonstrate the correct technique for the specific inhaler being used. Some inhalers may require a spacer device, particularly for children or for people who have difficulty coordinating inhalation. Regularly checking inhaler technique during medical appointments can improve asthma control.
Asthma cannot always be prevented, but symptoms and attacks can often be reduced by identifying and managing individual triggers. Helpful measures include:
- Follow the asthma treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare professional.
- Take controller medicines regularly if they have been prescribed.
- Learn and maintain the correct inhaler technique.
- Avoid tobacco smoke and do not smoke.
- Reduce exposure to known allergens and irritants.
- Keep indoor environments reasonably free from dust and mould.
- Monitor symptoms and, when recommended, peak-flow readings.
- Maintain regular physical activity according to your healthcare professional’s advice.
- Manage conditions that may worsen asthma, such as allergic rhinitis or acid reflux.
- Follow recommended vaccination advice, particularly for respiratory infections when appropriate.
- Keep prescribed reliever medication readily available.
An asthma action plan can help a person recognize worsening symptoms and understand what medicines to take and when to seek medical attention.
An asthma attack, also called an asthma exacerbation or flare-up, occurs when asthma symptoms suddenly become worse because the airways become more inflamed and narrowed. During an attack, a person may experience:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty speaking in complete sentences
- Difficulty performing normal activities
- Reduced peak-flow readings, if the person uses a peak-flow meter
People with asthma should follow their personalized asthma action plan during an attack.
Severe asthma can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention. Seek emergency medical care if a person:
- Has severe difficulty breathing
- Is struggling to speak because of breathlessness
- Becomes confused, extremely drowsy or exhausted
- Develops blue or grey lips, face or fingernails
- Has rapidly worsening symptoms
- Has little or no improvement after using their prescribed reliever medicine according to their asthma action plan
- Has a peak-flow reading in the emergency range specified in their action plan
Do not delay emergency treatment during a severe asthma attack.
When asthma is poorly controlled, it can interfere with sleep, school, work, exercise and daily activities. Possible complications include:
- Frequent asthma attacks
- Sleep disturbance
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Missed school or work
- Emergency department visits or hospitalization
- Persistent airway inflammation
- Reduced lung function in some people with poorly controlled disease
- Rarely, a severe asthma attack can become life-threatening
Good asthma control and regular medical follow-up can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
Asthma is one of the common chronic conditions affecting children. Symptoms may include recurrent coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty or chest tightness. In young children, asthma can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because other childhood conditions may cause similar symptoms. A paediatrician may consider the child’s age, symptoms, family history, triggers and response to treatment when evaluating possible asthma. Parents and caregivers should ensure that children with asthma understand, at an age-appropriate level, how and when to use their prescribed medicines.
Exercise can trigger symptoms in some people with asthma, but having asthma does not mean that a person should avoid physical activity. With appropriate treatment and planning, most people with asthma can participate in exercise and sports. A healthcare professional can advise on strategies for preventing exercise-related symptoms, including appropriate warm-up, trigger avoidance and use of prescribed medication when necessary.
People with suspected or diagnosed asthma may consult:
A primary care doctor or family physician can also evaluate asthma and coordinate treatment. An allergy specialist may be consulted when allergies are suspected to be an important trigger.
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, sometimes producing excess mucus. This can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
There is currently no permanent cure for asthma, but it can usually be effectively controlled with appropriate treatment and trigger management. Some children may experience fewer symptoms as they grow older, while asthma can persist or return later in life.
Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Symptoms may be worse at night, during exercise or after exposure to specific triggers.
Yes. Although asthma often begins during childhood, it can develop at any age, including adulthood.
Allergies can trigger asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, mould and animal dander.
Exercise can trigger symptoms in some people, but regular physical activity is generally beneficial. With proper asthma management, most people with asthma can exercise safely.
No. Wheezing can occur with several other respiratory conditions. A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent or recurrent wheezing to determine the cause.
Yes. Coughing can be a symptom of asthma and may become worse at night or early in the morning.
Asthma symptoms can change over time. Some children may have fewer or no symptoms for periods of time, but symptoms can return. People should continue medical follow-up even when symptoms improve.
Asthma itself cannot always be prevented, but attacks and symptoms can often be reduced by taking prescribed medicines correctly and avoiding known triggers.
Emergency medical care is needed for severe breathing difficulty, inability to speak normally because of breathlessness, blue or grey lips or face, confusion, extreme exhaustion, rapidly worsening symptoms, or inadequate response to prescribed emergency medication.
Medical Disclaimer -This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Asthma affects people differently, and treatment should be individualized by a qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change any asthma medication without consulting your doctor. If you or someone else is experiencing severe breathing difficulty or a potentially life-threatening asthma attack, seek emergency medical care immediately.
