Asthma Overview

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans and is increasing in incidence. Asthma is a syndrome that is comprised of reversible airflow obstruction that leads to breathing difficulty and shortness of breath. It is also associated with airway inflammation that is caused by various triggers including infections and environmental exposures, obesity and allergens. Some patients have a genetic predisposition to asthma with multiple family members being affected by the disease. Asthma is known as a heterogeneous condition, which means that it varies in what is driving it, even if the symptoms are the same.

Symptoms of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest tightness

• Wheezing

• Chronic cough, can be dry or produce mucous

Although asthma can be easily treated in most patients, 10 percent of patients have severe asthma that causes debilitating disease. Asthma that is not well controlled can be fatal given exposure to triggers. The triggers cause blockage of the airway with mucous, and spasms of the muscles around the airways with closure of the bronchial tubes, resulting in an inability to breathe.

People with symptoms occurring at least 5-6 times a week and a couple of times at night a month are more at risk for a fatal asthma attack. Everyone is different, so it’s important for you to know when your asthma is flaring, which you can tell by your daily peak flow meter reading and whether you are still having tightness even after using your rescue inhaler.

An asthma attack occurs when an asthma trigger causes the lungs to become inflamed and swollen. You may also hear an asthma attack referred to as an asthma flare, asthma exacerbation, or asthma episode. The muscles around the breathing tubes tighten or spasm and more mucus than usual is produced. All these work to make the breathing tubes narrower and make it harder to get air into the lungs. If your asthma symptoms are worsening, you may be having an asthma attack. Any of these signs indicate the need for prompt medical treatment. An asthma attack can be a life-threatening emergency and may require medical care or emergency services.

(Allergy Asthma Network)

Asthma is more common in those who have a history of allergies (seasonal) or atopy (immediate allergic reactions). Allergies, such as ragweed and pollen, aspirin, animal dander, or dust are common asthma triggers.