Asthma
Key points
- Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
- Asthma is a disease in which inflammation of the airways causes airflow into and out of the lungs to be restricted.
- Listening to the chest (auscultation) during an episode reveals wheezing.
- Treatment is aimed at avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants and controlling symptoms and airway inflammation through medication.
Alternative names
Bronchial asthma; Exercise induced asthma - bronchial; Reactive airways disease (RAD)
Definition
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Asthma is a disease in which inflammation of the airways causes airflow into and out of the lungs to be restricted. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles of the bronchial tree become tight and the lining of the air passages swells, reducing airflow and producing the characteristic wheezing sound. Mucus production is increased.
Most people with asthma have periodic wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some asthmatics have chronic shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Other asthmatics may have cough as their predominant symptom. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.
In sensitive individuals, asthma symptoms can be triggered by inhaled allergens (allergy triggers), such as pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, food, or drug allergies. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) provoke asthma in some patients.
Asthma is found in 3-5% of adults and 7-10% of children. Half of the people with asthma develop it before age 10, and most develop it before age 30. Asthma symptoms can decrease over time, especially in children.
Many people with asthma have an individual and/or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Others have no history of allergies or evidence of allergic problems.
Symptoms
- wheezing
o usually begins suddenly
o is episodic
o may be worse at night or in early morning
o aggravated by exposure to cold air
o aggravated by exercise
o aggravated by heartburn (reflux)
o resolves spontaneously
o relieved by bronchodilators (drugs that open the airways) - cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
- shortness of breath that is aggravated by exercise
- breathing that requires increased work
- intercostal retractions (pulling of the skin between the ribs when breathing)
Frequently asked questions
What is asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
What are the risk factors for asthma?
Asthma is a disease in which inflammation of the airways causes airflow into and out of the lungs to be restricted. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles of the bronchial tree become tight and the lining of the air passages swells, reducing airflow and producing the characteristic wheezing sound. Mucus production is increased. Most people with asthma have periodic wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some asthmatics have chronic shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Other asthmatics may have cough as their predominant symptom. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
- wheezing o usually begins suddenly o is episodic o may be worse at night or in early morning o aggravated by exposure to cold air o aggravated by exercise o aggravated by heartburn (reflux) o resolves spontaneously o relieved by bronchodilators (drugs that open the airways)
- cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
- shortness of breath that is aggravated by exercise
- breathing that requires increased work
- intercostal retractions (pulling of the skin between the ribs when breathing) Emergency symptoms:
- extreme difficulty breathing
- bluish color to the lips and face
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.