Fact Checked
Overview Of Asthma

- Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung disorder. Air passages become constricted and swollen. This leads to breathing problems and wheeziness.
- Asthma goes from mild to quite severe. Some individuals have only occasional, minor symptoms. Other people have continuous symptoms with severe flare-ups that can be deadly.
- When an asthma attack occurs, the airways become swollen. They constrict as the muscles surrounding them tighten. Phlegm produced by the swelling fills the tightened passageways. As a result, the movement of air is partly or fully blocked.
- The causes of asthma-related swelling is not clear. But numerous environmental “triggers” have been recognized.
Common allergens consist of:
- Animal fur and saliva.
- Dust mites.
- Some medicines.
- Particular foods.
- Virus-related infections, such as colds and flu.
- Physical workouts.
- Inhaling cold, dry air.
- Ecological pollutants, such as: chemicals, paint fumes and cigarette smoke.
- Overpowering odors.
- Emotional strain.
Symptoms Of Asthma
Symptoms of asthma consist of:
- Out of breath.
- Trouble breathing.
- Chest feels tight.
- An insistent cough
Symptoms of a serious asthma attack can consist of:
- Shortness of breath becoming worse.
- Stiffness of the chest.
- A fast pulse.
- A need to sit straight-up.
- A bluish bruising of the fingernails and lips.
Treatment Of Asthma
Treatment focuses on:
- Avoiding or stopping the swelling.
- Calming the muscles that line the airways.
If you have long-lasting asthma, work with your GP to compose an asthma management plan. The plan stipulates:
- How to stay away from asthma triggers.
- When you should take your medication and the dosage that should be taken.
- How to deal with asthma attacks.