Asthma occurs when the main air passages of your lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing , shortness of breath , chest tightness, and coughing , which respond to bronchodilators. The inflammation (IN-fla-MAY-shun) makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives. These asthma triggers vary and may include exercise, cold air, allergens (such as dust, ragweed, mold, or cat dander), infections, and emotional reactions. Some people suffer asthma symptoms continuously; others experience them only if exposed to triggers. Regardless of the cause, severe asthma is a serious health concern that can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Causes of Asthma

The common Causes of Asthma :

Non-specific hyperirritability

Allergy to pollen and dust particles

Respiratory infections

Certain medications

Sulfites in food

Air pollution

Symptoms of Asthma

Some Symptoms of Asthma :

Increased shortness of breath or wheezing

Difficulty speaking

Cough may be the main symptom in some children.

Chest tightness or pain.

Treatment of Asthma

Working closely with your doctor to decide what your treatment goals are and learning how to meet those goals.

Using asthma medicines. Allergy medicine and shots may also help control asthma in some people.

Monitoring your asthma so that you can recognize when your symptoms are getting worse and respond quickly to prevent or stop an asthma attack.

Report any side effects you are having with your medications.

Maintain normal or near-normal lung function.

Avoiding things that bring on your asthma symptoms or make your symptoms worse. Doing so can reduce the amount of medicine you need to control your asthma.

Prevent attacks severe enough to require a visit to your provider or an emergency department or hospitalization .

There are two main types of drugs used for treating Asthma, and these are most commonly taken using an aerosol inhaler.

Juliet Cohen writes health articles for diseases and disorders.