Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. It’s a long-term issue that doesn’t go away, but with the right care, it can be controlled. Many people with asthma live full, active lives. The key is learning how to manage symptoms and knowing when to get help.
Asthma causes the airways in your lungs to become inflamed and narrow. This can make breathing feel tight or difficult. You might also notice coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. These symptoms can come and go and may change over time.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes asthma, the different types, the symptoms to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatments can help.
What Causes Asthma and Who Gets It?
Asthma is caused by swelling and sensitivity in the airways. When you’re exposed to certain triggers, the muscles around the airways tighten, and the lining inside becomes more swollen. This makes it harder for air to move in and out of your lungs.
Doctors aren’t sure why some people develop asthma and others don’t. But it’s believed to be linked to both genetics and the environment. If asthma runs in your family, you may be more likely to have it too.
Common triggers that can bring on asthma symptoms include dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, cold air, exercise, and infections like colds or the flu. For some people, stress or strong smells can also make symptoms worse.
Different Types of Asthma
Asthma doesn’t look the same in everyone. Some people have symptoms only once in a while, while others struggle with breathing almost every day. Understanding what type of asthma you have can help you and your doctor create the best care plan.
Here are some of the main types:
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Allergic asthma, which is triggered by allergens like pollen or pets
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Exercise-induced asthma, which causes symptoms during or after physical activity
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Work-related asthma, linked to chemicals or dust at your job
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Non-allergic asthma, which isn’t caused by allergies, but may be triggered by weather or stress
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Severe asthma, a type that doesn’t respond well to standard treatments and may require advanced care
Each type of asthma involves swelling and narrowing of the airways, but the triggers and symptoms may vary.
What Are the Symptoms?
Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and may change over time. You might have them every day, or just once in a while. Some people go weeks without symptoms and then have a sudden flare-up.
Here are common asthma symptoms:
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Feeling short of breath, especially during physical activity
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A tight feeling in the chest
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Wheezing, which is a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing
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Coughing that doesn’t go away, often worse at night or early in the morning
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Trouble sleeping because of breathing problems
During an asthma attack, these symptoms become much worse. Breathing may feel extremely hard, and you might not be able to talk in full sentences. A severe asthma attack is a medical emergency and needs quick treatment.
It’s important to notice when your symptoms change or get worse. Early treatment can help prevent a mild flare-up from becoming a serious attack.
How Doctors Diagnose Asthma
To find out if you have asthma, your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and health history. They’ll want to know how often you have trouble breathing, what seems to trigger it, and whether certain times of day are worse.
They’ll also listen to your lungs and may do a breathing test called spirometry. This test measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast. It helps doctors see if your airways are narrowed. In some cases, other tests may be used, like a peak flow test, chest X-ray, or allergy testing.
Sometimes, your doctor will give you medicine during the test to see if it helps your breathing. If it does, it’s another clue that asthma may be the cause.
Treatment and Living with Asthma
Asthma can’t be cured, but there are many ways to manage it. Treatment usually involves using medications to keep symptoms under control and being ready to handle flare-ups.
Most people use two types of asthma medicine:
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Controller medicines, taken every day to reduce swelling and prevent symptoms
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Rescue medicines, used only when needed to open the airways quickly during a flare-up
Controller medicines are often inhaled steroids or other drugs that reduce inflammation. Rescue inhalers work fast to relax the muscles around the airways, helping you breathe better within minutes.
In some cases, if asthma is linked to allergies, doctors may also suggest allergy treatments or shots. For people with more severe asthma, special injections called biologics may be used.
Besides medicine, it’s important to avoid your personal asthma triggers. For example, if cold air makes your symptoms worse, wearing a scarf over your mouth in winter may help. If pollen is a trigger, try staying indoors on high-pollen days.
Doctors may also recommend asthma action plans. This is a simple guide that helps you know what to do each day, how to adjust your treatment if symptoms change, and when to seek emergency help.
