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Asthma Information & Symptoms

Asthma affects more than 24 million people, and the number is growing. It is important for patients to understand asthma's causes and symptoms in order to diagnose and treat it as soon as possible.

  1. What is Asthma?

    • According to MedicineNet, asthma is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes which constricts the airways and causes trouble breathing.

    Causes of Asthma

    • Most of the time, asthma is caused by allergens in the air. It may be dust, pollen or animals, but more importantly it could be pollution or the general air quality where you live. People with asthma can have an attack brought on by just about anything, so it becomes important to treat it on a daily basis.

    Symptoms of Asthma

    • People usually notice asthma by the shortness of breathe when exercising or working. The symptoms are almost like the common cold, including a cough and fatigue. The most commonly reported feelings are a tightness in the chest, wheezing and dark, thick mucus.

    Treatments for Asthma

    • Because asthma is so common, there are a number of different treatments. Some take pills daily to keep the inflammation in their bronchial tubes down. When their chests get tight, most asthma patients use an inhaler--a quick puff of air mixed with steroids to reduce inflammation. Some attacks are severe enough to call for hospital care.

    Living with Asthma

    • Asthma is so prevalent that it is relatively easy to manage and treat. As previously stated, taking daily medications and knowing the signs of an attack can help you control it and live with relative ease. More than 85 percent of asthma patients are able to go on with their normal lives after being diagnosed.

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