chronic⚑ High burden in India
Asthma
Asthma is a common long-term disease of the airways. 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 bronchioles to constrict and produce mucus, 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
- ·Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea
More in Lungs
COPDPneumoniaTuberculosisLung cancerPulmonary fibrosisSleep apneaCystic fibrosisBronchitisInfluenzaPulmonary embolismSilicosisPneumothorax
See all of Lungs →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.