Patient information: A guide to asthma

ASTHMA OVERVIEW

Asthma is a lung disorder that occurs when your breathing tubes (airways) become narrowed. As the airways narrow, it can become harder to breathe. This can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can come and go, depending upon how narrow your airways are. Some people have only occasional asthma symptoms while others have asthma symptoms every day.

Scientists do not know what causes asthma. However, they do know that certain things can trigger asthma symptoms, including illnesses such as the common cold, pets, exercise, foods, or air pollution.

Fortunately, there are effective treatments for asthma. Treatment can help to prevent breathing problems. Treatments can also help to improve breathing after your airways become narrow.

It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine which asthma treatments are right for you. In addition, you should see your provider on a regular basis to help you manage your breathing over time.

UPTODATE ASTHMA RESOURCES

Patient information — UpToDate has a number of articles for family members and patients living with asthma.

Adults and adolescents

  (see "Patient information: Asthma inhaler techniques in adults")

  (see "Patient information: Asthma treatment in adolescents and adults")

  (see "Patient information: Exercise-induced asthma")

  (see "Patient information: How to use a peak flow meter")

  (see "Patient information: Trigger avoidance in asthma")

  (see "Patient information: Pregnancy and asthma")

Children

  (see "Patient information: Asthma inhaler techniques in children")

  (see "Patient information: Asthma symptoms and diagnosis in children")

  (see "Patient information: Asthma treatment in children")

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Adults and adolescents

  (see "An overview of asthma management")

  (see "Diagnosis of asthma in adolescents and adults")

  (see "Evaluation of severe asthma in adolescents and adults")

  (see "Identifying patients at risk for fatal asthma")

  (see "Natural history of asthma")

  (see "Risk factors for asthma")

  (see "Treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma in adults")

  (see "Treatment of intermittent and chronic mild asthma in adolescents and adults")

  (see "Treatment of moderate persistent asthma in adolescents and adults")

  (see "Treatment of severe asthma in adolescents and adults")

Children

  (see "Chronic asthma in children younger than 12 years: Definition, epidemiology, and pathophysiology")

  (see "Chronic asthma in children younger than 12 years: Controller medications")

  (see "Chronic asthma in children younger than 12 years: Evaluation and diagnosis")

  (see "Acute asthma exacerbations in children: Outpatient management")

  (see "Chronic asthma in children younger than 12 years: Quick-relief agents")

  (see "The impact of breastfeeding on the development of allergic disease")

  (see "Approach to wheezing in children")