A GUIDE TO ASTHMA

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What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a lung disorder that interferes with breathing. It can cause serious, recurring episodes of wheezing and breathlessness, known as asthma attacks. The trouble stems from chronic inflammation in the tubes that carry air to the lungs. While there is no cure, there are highly effective strategies for keeping asthma symptoms at bay.

Symptoms of an Asthma Attack

Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing that won’t stop
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest

In severe cases, an untreated asthma attack can be life-threatening.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some asthma attacks require emergency treatment. Call emergency if :

• You are too breathless to walk or talk.
• Your lips or fingernails look blue.
• Using a rescue inhaler doesn’t help.

These are signs that your body is not getting enough oxygen. Emergency treatment can help open the airways and restore oxygen levels.

Asthma Early Warning Signs

Sometimes asthma causes more subtle symptoms that don’t interrupt your daily activities. But these can be warning signs that a full-blown asthma attack is imminent. Red flags to watch for include frequent coughing (especially at night), difficulty sleeping, unexplained fatigue, and feeling out of breath.

Asthma Early Warning Signs

Sometimes asthma causes more subtle symptoms that don’t interrupt your daily activities. But these can be warning signs that a full-blown asthma attack is imminent. Red flags to watch for include frequent coughing (especially at night), difficulty sleeping, unexplained fatigue, and feeling out of breath.

What Causes an Asthma Attack?

In people with asthma, the airways are chronically inflamed. Certain triggers can make the inflammation worse and cause a narrowing of the airways. At the same time, the body may produce extra mucus that clogs the airways. These changes work together to restrict the flow of air to the lungs. As too little air gets through, wheezing and breathlessness occur.

Diagnosing Asthma

If you have symptoms of asthma, your doctor will want to check how well your lungs are working. A lung function test, also called spirometry, measures how much air you can breathe in and out. The results will help determine whether you have asthma and how severe the condition is. Your doctor may also recommend allergy testing to pinpoint some of your asthma triggers.

Managing Asthma ...see more ---> Asthma