Breathe easy: Understanding asthma

Asthma is an ongoing lung problem. It affects the air passages that carry air in and out of your lungs. When you have asthma, your air passages can swell and narrow. This makes it harder to breathe.

While asthma can’t be cured, the right care helps many people manage their symptoms and live active lives.

An asthma attack happens when something bothers your lungs, like allergies, smoke, irritants, or other triggers. Your lungs get swollen and inflamed. This can make breathing feel like trying to breathe through a tiny straw. Using asthma medicine early can help stop symptoms from getting worse.

During an asthma attack:

• Your airways swell
• Muscles around your airways tighten
• Your lungs make extra mucus

Asthma symptoms can start slowly or suddenly. Knowing the signs can help avoid more serious problems.

Common symptoms include:

• Coughing at night

• Symptoms during or after a cold
• Tight feeling in the chest
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

Severe symptoms may include:

• Fast or hard breathing
• Medicine is not working or helping
• Nostrils flaring when breathing
• Ribs showing when breathing (in children)
• Trouble talking because of breathing problems

Asthma triggers are things that can set off or worsen symptoms. Knowing yours can help you avoid an attack.

Common triggers include:

• Allergies
• Certain foods or medicines
• Exercise
• Mold
• Pets
• Pests such as cockroaches
• Smoke or strong smells
• Stress
• Weather changes, pollen, and air pollution

Allergies often trigger asthma symptoms, a condition known as allergic asthma. Treating allergies can help lower the chance of asthma attacks.

Things that trigger asthma include:

• Cockroaches
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Pollen

Work with your doctor to make an Asthma Action Plan. This plan outlines your daily medications and what to do if symptoms get worse.

Take steps each day to help control asthma:

• Avoid triggers
• Get recommended vaccines, like the flu shot
• Manage stress
• Stay active
• Take medicines as your doctor tells you
• Use a peak flow meter or inhaler if your provider recommends it

If you think you may have asthma, or your symptoms are getting worse, talk with your doctor. It’s also important to know your care options, including virtual visits or urgent care centers.

If you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Download our resources to learn more about asthma:

• Living with Asthma brochure
• Asthma attack decision guide

With the right care and support, asthma can be managed. Work with your health care provider to create a plan that helps you breathe easier and live well.

Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America