Asthma - Adult

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.

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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.

Asthma - Child

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the function and lining of the airways or tubes of the lungs. It narrows the airways and makes it difficult to breathe.

There are different degrees of asthma. Some children may have mild asthma with rare flare-ups. Others may have a severe, constant asthma.

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Causes

The exact causes of asthma are unknown, but genetics play a role.

Tightening of the muscles around the airway and chronic inflammation with swelling cause airways to narrow. This makes it hard to breathe.

Certain conditions are known to trigger an asthma attack. These include:

  • Respiratory infection—more common in younger children

  • Exercise, especially in cold air—more common in teenagers

  • Substances that cause allergies such as:

    • Pollen

    • Dust

    • Animal dander

    • Mold

    • Food, rarely

  • Sinus infections

  • Tobacco smoke or other chemical irritants

  • Sudden change in weather

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your child’s chance of asthma include:

  • Family history

  • History of allergies and/or eczema

  • Exposure to tobacco smoke

  • Respiratory infections before age 1, especially bronchiolitis, and common colds before 6 months of age

  • Premature birth

  • Chlorinated pool use in children who are already at risk for asthma

  • Taking some medications, such as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Coughing

  • Chest tightness

  • Shortness of breath and fast breathing

  • Wheezing

  • Trouble breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Complaints of chest pain

  • Difficulty during feeding in infants

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Avoiding exercise or sports

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will listen to your child’s lungs. Your child may be referred to a specialist. A pulmonologist focuses on the lungs. An allergist/immunologist focuses on allergies.

Your child may be tested for common allergens that may trigger symptoms. This can be done with skin testing or blood tests .

Your child's lungs may be tested. This can be done with:

  • Spirometry test

  • Challenge test

  • Medication trial

Your child's oxygen concentration may be measured. This can be done with pulse oximetry.

Images may be taken of your child's bodily structures. This can be done with x-ray .

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

RESOURCES

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology http://www.aaaai.org 

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America http://www.aafa.org