Related Media: Asthma Management: Emotional and Stress Triggers

Definition    TOP

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the function and lining of the airways or tubes of the lungs. It narrows the airways and makes it difficult to breathe.

Inflamed Bronchus in the Lungs Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes    TOP

Asthma symptoms are caused by an increased sensitivity of the airways to certain triggers. The triggers cause the lining of the airways to swell and produce extra fluid called mucus. At the same time, the muscles around the outside of the airway tighten in response to the irritation. All of these reactions narrow the airways and make it difficult to breathe. This response is often referred to as an asthma attack.

Possible triggers of an asthma attack in a person with asthma include:

• Viral illness
• Exercise
• Cold weather
• Sinusitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Sulfites, preservatives used in dried fruits and wine
• Medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and beta-blockers
• Exposure to irritants or allergens, including:
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Smoke from a wood-burning stove
  • Pet dander
  • Dust
  • Chemicals
  • Mold and mildew
  • Pollen
  • Smog or air pollution
  • Perfumed products

Risk Factors    TOP

Factors that may increase your chance of asthma include:

• Regularly breathing in cigarette smoke, including second-hand smoke
• Regularly breathing in industrial or agricultural chemicals
• A family member who has asthma
• History of bronchiolitis
• History of multiple respiratory infections during childhood, especially less than 1 year old
• Being overweight
• History of wheezing or asthma as a child
• Having allergies
• Premature birth
• Having a mother who smoked during pregnancy

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms include:

• Cough
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Trouble breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Limited exercise tolerance

Diagnosis    TOP

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor may also do some tests to measure lung function. They may include:

• Peak flow assessment
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
• Reversibility testing
• Bronchoprovocation tests

Your doctor may also do some allergy tests. The test will help determine if allergies are causing symptoms. The test may include skin pricks or blood tests.

Treatment    TOP

The treatment strategy for asthma includes:

• Medications
• Avoidance of allergens and irritants and control of contributing factors such as gastroesophageal reflux and sinusitis
• Regular assessment and monitoring

You and your doctor should also create an asthma action plan. This is a plan you will follow to help control your asthma and handle asthma attacks.

Prevention    TOP

There are no guidelines for preventing asthma because the cause is unknown. However, you can help prevent asthma attacks by avoiding things that trigger your attacks. Triggers can vary from person to person but some general guidelines include:

• Avoid strong chemicals or odors like perfume.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during days with high air pollution, a high pollen count, or a high ozone level.
• Get a yearly flu shot. Colds and flus can worsen asthma.
• Don't smoke. If you are pregnant, it is important that you do not smoke.
• Avoid secondhand smoke. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home.
• Don't use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, including unvented gas fireplaces.
• If cold weather triggers your asthma, avoid strenuous activities in cold weather. If you must, use a scarf or mask to warm the air before it reaches your lungs.

Talk to your doctor about:

• The right level of exercise for you
• Ways to track your asthma to help identify and treat flare-ups right away
• Your work, hobbies, and home activities to see if any of these may be causing or worsening your asthma