Asthma.

Overview

Asthma is a chronic condition in which airway inflammation and narrowing can cause wheeze, cough, chest tightness or breathlessness. Symptoms may vary from day to day.

A condition may appear differently between people, so a symptom list alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Age, medical history and other circumstances affect assessment.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms often include episodes of wheezing, cough, chest tightness and breathlessness. They can be worse at night, early in the morning or during exposure to a personal trigger. Some people cough without obvious wheezing. Symptoms may change over time, so an action plan should address both ordinary flare-ups and worsening attacks.

Causes and risk factors

Exercise, respiratory infections, allergens, smoke and pollution can trigger symptoms, though triggers differ between individuals.

Risk factors do not guarantee that a person will develop this condition, and a diagnosis can occur even without obvious risk factors.

Diagnosis and tests

Diagnosis commonly includes the symptom history and lung-function testing such as spirometry when appropriate.

Tests are chosen for the individual situation. No picture or AI-generated response can confirm this condition.

Care and treatment

Management generally includes avoiding relevant triggers, correct inhaler technique and a personalized plan for preventer and reliever treatments.

Treatment plans must consider severity, other illnesses, medication safety and personal preferences. Do not start or change prescribed treatment using this article alone.

Prevention and daily living

Tracking personal triggers and symptoms, avoiding smoke and following a written asthma action plan are valuable. Discuss appropriate preventer therapy, regular inhaler technique checks and whether rescue treatment is being needed unusually often.

Individual care plans may differ, particularly in pregnancy, childhood, older age or when other illnesses are present. The linked clinical source provides more context.

When to seek help

Difficulty speaking due to breathlessness, bluish lips or severe attacks that are not improving require emergency care.

If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or you feel unsafe, seek local emergency services. Do not wait for an online reply.

Questions for a clinician

What evidence supports this diagnosis? What tests are necessary? Which treatment options fit my situation? What should I monitor? When should I return or seek urgent help?