What is Asthma?
 

Asthma is a reversible chronic inflammatory disease mainly of the bronchial tubes of the respiratory airway. With asthma, these airways are hypersensitive to various triggers. When flare-ups/exacerabations occur, obstruction of the airways and trouble breathing may occur. This obstruction is attributed to:
 

• Bronchospasm: The muscles surrounding the airways tighten up

• Inflammation: The lining of the airways swells

• Mucus Production: The airways may produce excess mucus

Common Triggers & Risk Factors
 

• Allergens: Pollen (from trees, grass, and weeds), dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.

• Irritants in the Air: Tobacco smoke, air pollution, strong chemical fumes, cleaning products, and perfumes.

• Respiratory Infections: Viral colds, the flu, or sinus infections.

• Physical Activity: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (especially in cold air).

• Weather & Environmental Changes: Sudden shifts in temperature, cold air, or high humidity.

• Certain Medications (aspirin and some beta blockers)

• Severe Stress

Warning Signs & Common Symptoms
 

• Shortness of Breath: Feeling winded or unable to catch your breath, particularly during physical activity or at night.

• Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling or squeaking sound when you breathe out (and sometimes in).

• Chest Tightness: A sensation of pressure, squeezing, or heaviness across the chest.

• Chronic Cough: A persistent cough that often worsens at night, early in the morning, or when triggered by exercise or cold air.

Diagnostics
 

• Spirometry w/Reversibility Testing: You blow forcefully into a machine that measures how much air you can exhale and how fast you can blow it out. A repeat test is often done after using an inhaled bronchodilator to see if your airway blockage improves. A methacholine challenge test may be added if the results are normal, but asthma is still suspected. 

• Peak Flow Meter

• Allergy Testing: Skin prick tests or blood tests (specific IgE)

• Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test: Measuring the level of nitric oxide in your breath, which can indicate inflammation in the airways.

Management & Treatment Strategies
 

• Beta-2 agonists, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and sometimes leukotriene modifiers

• Minimizing triggers