What is Asthma?
Asthma is the term used for narrowing and swelling of the airways in the lungs that can produce extra mucus.
Asthma can be a minor nuisance for some patients, but for others it can be a debilitating condition that interferes with daily life. In some cases asthma can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks.
There is no cure for asthma, but symptoms can be controlled. Asthma severity can change over time, so it’s important that you work with your doctor to track your symptoms and adjust your care plan if necessary.
Understanding Asthma
Take a virtual tour of the lungs to understand how asthma impacts lung function and overall respiratory health.
What are the symptoms of Asthma?
Signs and symptoms of asthma include:
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea
Tightness or pain in your chest
Wheezing, especially when exhaling. This is a sign of asthma in children.
Sleep disturbances due to shortness or breath, coughing, or wheezing
Coughing and wheezing that are made worse by illness such as the common cold, flu, or other respiratory illness
Asthma symptoms can be different from person to person. Some patients may have occasional asthma attacks while others have symptoms and attacks more often.
Some people experience more asthma symptoms during certain activities:
While exercising.Exercise-induced asthma can be worse in cold, dry weather
At work.Occupational asthma, or symptoms triggered at work where there may be exposure to chemicals, fumes, gases, or dust
With allergies.Allergy-induced asthma is triggered by substances in the air such as pollen, mold, insect waste, dust, or pet dander
How can I tell if my asthma is getting worse?
Some signs that your asthma may be getting worse include
More frequent symptoms
More difficulty breathing than usual, which can be measured by a peak flow meter which is a device that measures how well your lungs are working
More frequent use of a rescue inhaler
Talk to your care team to come up with a treatment plan that best meets your needs.