Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulty. Symptoms often include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks may be triggered by allergens, infections, exercise, or environmental irritants.
🚨 Emergency – Severe Asthma Attack
Call emergency services if asthma causes:
- Severe difficulty breathing or gasping for air.
- Lips or face turning blue.
- Inability to speak full sentences.
- No improvement after using a rescue inhaler.
📞 Consult a Doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Frequent coughing, especially at night.
- Shortness of breath during exercise.
- Wheezing or chest tightness.
- Repeated respiratory infections.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Wheezing during breathing | Airway narrowing due to asthma inflammation |
| Shortness of breath | Asthma Attack |
| Chronic coughing (especially at night) | Allergic Asthma |
| Chest tightness | Airway inflammation and bronchospasm |
| Breathing difficulty after exercise | Exercise-Induced Asthma |
Common Asthma Triggers
Pollen: Seasonal allergies may worsen asthma.
Dust Mites: Common household allergen.
Pet Dander: Animal skin flakes may trigger symptoms.
Air Pollution: Smoke, pollution, and chemical fumes.
Cold Air: Cold environments may provoke bronchospasm.
Respiratory Infections: Viral infections may worsen symptoms.
Exercise: Physical exertion may cause airway narrowing.
Diagnostic Procedures
Spirometry Test
Measures lung function and airflow obstruction.
Peak Expiratory Flow Test
Evaluates how fast air can be exhaled from the lungs.
Allergy Skin Test
Identifies allergic triggers associated with asthma.
Chest X-Ray
Helps rule out other lung conditions.
