What do you need to know about asthma?

Causes

Symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens or triggers.  This does not always happen though.

Triggers are:

• Mold, pollen, animal dander, dust mites

• Certain medicines (aspirin and other NSAIDS)

• Changes in weather (most often cold weather or thunderstorms)

• Chemicals in the air or in food

• Exercise

• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold

• Strong emotions (stress)

• Tobacco smoke

Symptoms

• Most people have flares and then symptom-free periods. Some people have long-term shortness of breath with more episodes of shortness of breath.

• Asthma attacks can last for minutes to days.

• Attacks are dangerous if your airflow is blocked.

Symptoms are:

• Cough with or without phlegm production

• Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity

• Wheezing

• Tightness in the chest

Exams and tests

• Allergy testing. It is a skin or a blood test to see if you are allergic to certain substances.

• Wheezing or other asthma-related sounds may be heard on a lung exam.

• Chest x-ray

• Lung function tests with peak flow measurements

Treatment

• Control medicines to keep from getting attacks.

• Quick-relief (rescue) medicines to use during attacks

• Most medicines are inhaled but here are some oral choices.

• Medicines for specific parts of your allergy immune system. These can be dupilumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, and omalizumab.

• Medicines such as steroids which lower inflammation.

• Medicines that help relax your muscles that tighten your airways, such as beta- or muscarinic-agonists.

To learn more

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)