What is Asthma?

Asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes, the airways in your lungs, become constricted and inflamed. When this happens, it is harder to breathe because there is less room in the tubes for air to pass through. Tightening of the muscles surrounding the tubes may result in the production of extra mucus that can block the tubes.

Coughing is the most noticeable symptom of asthma and it may be particularly troublesome at night. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, chest pain and wheezing. If you are wheezing, you will hear a slight whistling sound when you breathe in and out. You don't have to have every one of these symptoms to have asthma, particularly if you have a mild case of asthma.

Asthma triggers vary from person to person. Some people have asthma attacks after exercising, while others experience flare ups when certain allergens are in the air. Typical allergens include mold, pollen, dust, flowers and allergies to animals. Strong odors, such as cigarette smoke, perfume, hair spray, chemicals and air pollution can trigger asthma. Colds and infections can trigger asthma or make it worse, as can sinus infections and reflux. Medications, such as some anti-inflammatory drugs, some beta-blockers and aspirin can affect asthma. Even stress can bring about an asthma attack.

After taking a complete medical history and listening to your description of your symptoms, your doctor will perform an examination. She will listen to your lungs and look for signs of allergies in your nose and skin. You will take a breathing test, called spirometry, which will measure how much air you can exhale after taking a deep breath. Your doctor may also recommend an allergy test to determine if allergies are contributing to your condition and may order a chest X-ray or electrocardiogram to rule out the influence of other conditions. She will make a diagnosis based on the physical examination, tests and your description of your symptoms.

Chronic asthma is usually treated with a daily dosage of an inhaled medication. Inhaled medications, depending on the type, work to reduce inflammation in the airways, open airways and reduce mucus production. Some asthma sufferers take theophylline, a medication available in pill form that helps keep the airways open. In addition to daily treatment with an inhaler, asthma patients are advised to keep a rescue inhaler with them at all times. Rescue inhalers are used to provide quick relief during an asthma attack or may also be used as a precaution before exercise in people with exercise-induced asthma. If allergies are contributing to your problem, you may be prescribed allergy medication or may receive allergy shots in addition to your asthma medication. People who have asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be advised to take antacids and change their diet and eating habits.