Asthma - Adult

Definition

Asthma is a long-lasting health problem. It is a change in how the lining of the airways of the lungs work. Asthma makes the airways narrow and makes it hard to breathe.

Inflamed Bronchus in the Lungs

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Causes

The exact cause is not known. It is likely a mix of genetics and the environment.

Some things trigger symptoms in people with asthma, such as pollen, mold, and pet dander. It causes a reaction that makes it hard to breathe.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of asthma are:

• A family member who has asthma
• Having allergies
• Health problems, such as allergic rhinitis or obesity
• Having a job in farming, painting, or cleaning
• Regular exposure to cigarette smoke, including second-hand smoke
• Taking certain medicines, such as aspirin

Symptoms

Some people may have mild asthma with few flare-ups. Others may have a severe asthma all the time. Symptoms may be:

• Cough
• A tight chest
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Problems breathing
• Feeling tired
• Problems sleeping
• Having a hard time exercising

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the lungs.

A spirometry test will be done to measure how much air is breathed in and out. It can also find out the amount and rate of air that can pass through a person's airways.

Treatment

An asthma action plan will be used to help people control asthma and handle asthma attacks. Medicine and lifestyle changes will be a part of the plan. The goal of the plan is to lower the risk of asthma attacks. A second goal is to manage attacks and ease breathing.

Medicine

Some medicine is taken on a regular basis. It may help to stop asthma tacks from starting. They cannot treat an attack when it happens. Medicine may be 1 or more of these:

• Inhaled corticosteroids—to prevent airway swelling
• Inhaled long-acting beta agonists—to keep airways relaxed
• Oral leukotriene modifiers—to prevent airway swelling, ease mucus, and open the airways
• Inhaled cromolyn or nedocromil—to prevent airways from swelling after contact with a trigger
• Biologic agents—if asthma is not controlled by other medicine

Other medicine can be used to treat an attack. These can help to open the airways and ease breathing:

• Inhaled quick-acting beta agonists and anticholinergic agents—to open the airways
• Corticosteroids pills—to ease severe swelling

Procedure

Bronchial thermoplasty may be done for people with severe asthma. A tool is used to clear out excess muscle around the airway. It will help keep the airway more open during an attack.

Healthy Habits

These healthy habits may help to manage asthma:

• Reducing exposure to triggers
• Getting enough exercise
• Staying at a healthy weight
• Not smoking

Prevention

Asthma cannot be prevented.