Asthma
is a common long-term disease of the . It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms and reduced lung function. Symptoms include episodes of , coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. A sudden worsening of asthma symptoms sometimes called an 'asthma attack' or an 'asthma exacerbation' can occur when allergens, pollen, dust, or other particles, are inhaled into the lungs, causing the to constrict and produce , which then restricts oxygen flow to the alveoli. These may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person, asthma symptoms may become worse at night or with exercise.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Recurring episodes of , coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
Causes — why it happens
- · and environmental factors
Treatment
- ·Avoiding triggers, inhaled and long-acting beta2 agonists
Complications
- · disease (GERD), , obstructive sleep
The sections below are general education drawn from public guidelines (NHS, Mayo, CPIC, WHO, ICMR). They are not individually reviewed by a clinician and are not medical advice — always talk to a doctor about your own health.
When to see a doctor
If you already have an agreed plan from your doctor and symptoms are mild and settle quickly, follow that plan and note how often you need it.
See a doctor if you often cough, wheeze, feel tight in the chest, or get breathless, if symptoms wake you at night, or if they flare with exercise, colds, dust, or smoke. Get a review if you are using a reliever inhaler more and more.
Call emergency services if breathing is very hard, talking in full sentences is difficult, lips or face look blue or grey, a reliever inhaler is not helping, or the chest is sucking in with each breath. This is an asthma emergency.
General guidance, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, see a doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
- ?Which tests confirm this and check my breathing?
- ?What are my triggers and how can I avoid them?
- ?Can you write me a clear action plan for good days and bad days?
- ?How do I know when an attack is becoming an emergency?
- ?How should I use my inhaler correctly?
- ?How often should my asthma be reviewed?
What to note before your visit
- ·how often symptoms happen and what triggers them
- ·how often you use a reliever inhaler
- ·night-time coughing or waking
- ·any past emergency visits for breathing
Test yourself
0/4 answered4 quick questions on Asthma. Tap an answer to check it.