What is Asthma? Simple Facts You Need to Know

Asthma is a common health condition that affects your lungs and makes it harder to breathe sometimes. Lots of people have asthma, but many don’t fully understand what it really is.

What Happens in Asthma?

Asthma is a condition where the airways in your lungs get swollen and narrow. The airways are like small tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. When you have asthma, these tubes become tight and clogged, making it hard for air to flow.

During an asthma episode, a few things happen:

• The inside of your airways gets inflamed (swollen).
• The muscles around your airways tighten up.
• Your airways may become clogged with extra mucus (a sticky substance).
  

Because of this, it becomes tough to breathe and you might cough or wheeze.

What are the Symptoms?

People with asthma usually have some or all of these symptoms:

• Wheezing: A whistling sound when you breathe.
• Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can’t get enough air.
• Chest tightness: Feeling like your chest is squeezed or heavy.
• Coughing: Especially at night or early morning.

Symptoms can be mild or strong and might come and go. Sometimes, certain things can trigger an asthma attack, and symptoms get worse.

What Triggers Asthma?

Asthma symptoms happen because the airways react to things around you. Some common triggers are:

• Allergens: Like dust, pollen, pet fur, or mold.
• Smoke or strong smells: Cigarette smoke, pollution, or perfumes.
• Cold air or sudden weather changes.
• Exercise: Especially when the air is cold or dry.
• Sickness: Like colds or flu.
• Stress or strong emotions.

People with asthma have airways that are extra sensitive to these triggers.

Who Can Get Asthma?

Anyone can develop asthma. It often starts in childhood, but adults can develop it, too. If family members have asthma or allergies, you might be more likely to have it.

Can Asthma Be Cured?

Right now, there is no cure for asthma. But the good news is you can control it. With the right treatment and care from health care providers, many people with asthma live healthy, active lives.

How Do Doctors Find Out If You Have Asthma?

Doctors, often your primary health care provider, will ask about your symptoms and may do tests to check how well your lungs work. One common test is called spirometry, which measures how much air you can blow out.

How is Asthma Treated?

Asthma treatment helps you breathe easier and prevents attacks. Your doctor might give you:

• Inhalers: These are small devices that help get medicine right into your lungs.
  • Quick-relief inhalers: Used when you have trouble breathing to open your airways fast.
  • Daily control inhalers: Used every day to reduce swelling in your airways.

• Avoiding triggers: Staying away from things that cause your symptoms.
• Watching your symptoms: Keeping track of how you feel so you can act early if needed.

Sometimes, more medicine is needed if asthma is more serious.

If you’re searching for health care providers near me who can help manage asthma, it’s important to find a provider you trust and feel comfortable with.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you have regular asthma symptoms or your breathing gets worse and quick-relief inhalers don’t help, see your primary health care provider. Early treatment can stop asthma from getting worse.

Asthma can be scary when symptoms appear, but with the right care from healthcare providers, you can manage it well. Knowing what triggers your asthma and how to treat it helps you stay healthy and active. If you think you might have asthma, talk to a health care provider. They can help you breathe easier and live better.

If you or loved ones are managing asthma or other chronic health conditions, Medical Case Management International (MCMI) is here to help. Our team of experts provides personalized support and care plans to help you breathe easier and live healthier.

Contact MCMI today to learn more about how we can support your health journey.