A Visual Guide to Asthma

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a lung disorder that interferes with breathing. It can cause serious, recurring episodes of wheezing and breathlessness, known as asthma attacks. The trouble stems from chronic inflammation in the tubes that carry air to the lungs. While there is no cure, there are highly effective strategies for keeping asthma symptoms at bay.

Symptoms of an Asthma Attack

Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing that won’t stop
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest

In severe cases, an untreated asthma attack can be life-threatening.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some asthma attacks require emergency treatment. Call 911 if:

• You are too breathless to walk or talk.
• Your lips or fingernails look blue.
• Using a rescue inhaler doesn’t help.

These are signs that your body is not getting enough oxygen. Emergency treatment can help open the airways and restore oxygen levels.

Asthma Early Warning Signs

Sometimes asthma causes more subtle symptoms that don’t interrupt your daily activities. But these can be warning signs that a full-blown asthma attack is imminent. Red flags to watch for include frequent coughing (especially at night), difficulty sleeping, unexplained fatigue, and feeling out of breath.

What Causes an Asthma Attack?

In people with asthma, the airways are chronically inflamed. Certain triggers can make the inflammation worse and cause a narrowing of the airways. At the same time, the body may produce extra mucus that clogs the airways. These changes work together to restrict the flow of air to the lungs. As too little air gets through, wheezing and breathlessness occur.

Asthma Triggers: Allergies

Allergens that can trigger an asthma attack include:

• Mold
• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Pollen from trees or flowers
• Foods such as peanuts, eggs, fish

If pollen is one of your triggers, you’ll probably notice your asthma symptoms are worse at certain times of year.