Asthma Health Information

Top : Conditions and Diseases : Asthma

Learn About Asthma:


Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which is characterized by difficulty in breathing. It is a condition where the airways become irritated and inflamed. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyperresponsive airways. The airways react by narrowing or obstructing when they become irritated. This makes it difficult for the air to move in and out. The narrowing or obstructing is caused by airway inflammation (meaning that the airways in the lungs become red, swollen and narrow) or bronchoconstriction (meaning that the muscles that encircle the airways tighten or go into spasm).

Causes of Asthma:

The exact cause of asthma is unknown. However, there are certain triggers that can set off an asthma attack or make symptoms worse. These include:
  • infections such as colds and flu
  • irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, fumes
  • chemicals found in the workplace - this is called occupational asthma
  • allergies to pollen, medicines, animals, house dust mite or certain foods
  • exercise - especially in cold, dry air
  • emotions - laughing or crying very hard can trigger symptoms, as can stress

Symptoms of Asthma:

Some early warning signs of asthma include:
  • Breathing changes
  • Sneezing
  • Moodiness
  • Headache
  • Runny/stuffy nose
  • Coughing
  • Chin or throat itches
  • Feeling tired
  • Dark circles under eyes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Poor tolerance for exercise
  • Downward trend in peak flow number
Actual symptoms of asthma include:
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Breathing may be shallow and fast or slower than usual
  • Walking causes shortness of breath
  • Difficulty talking or concentrating
  • Gray or bluish tint to skin, beginning around the mouth

Cures / Preventions for Asthma:

Asthma cannot be cured. Treatments can aim to reduce the frequency, severity and length of your asthma attacks.

Treatment for Asthma:

Treatments for asthma include inhalers. There are two types of inhalers: relievers or preventers. Relievers treat your symptoms whereas preventers can prevent the symptoms. These devices (sometimes called 'puffers') contain a gas that will propel the correct dose of medication when the top is pressed down. This is inhaled into your airways.

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