66°F
weather icon Clear

Understanding the signs and symptoms of asthma

Asthma is a global issue. It’s estimated that more than 334 million people around the world have asthma. It’s a chronic disease that makes it hard to breathe.

Asthma often starts in childhood, but it can develop in people of any age and is common in adults as well. Symptoms of asthma can range from mild to life-threatening.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

“Asthma is a lower airway condition affecting the bronchial tubes. The typical symptoms of asthma would be shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough and wheezing,” says Dr. James Li, a Mayo Clinic allergist.

During what’s called an asthma exacerbation, the bronchial tubes tend to constrict.

“And there’s also inflammation and swelling and mucus inside the bronchial tube, which can block the airflow,” Li says.

Everyone experiences asthma differently with different triggers.

“Pollen or mold in the air, it’s often allergic asthma coexisting with allergic rhinitis, but also exercise, cold air and viral upper respiratory infections,” Li says.

Bronchial inhalers and other asthma medication can bring quick relief.

“If someone is experiencing an asthma exacerbation and they have trouble sleeping, trouble completing a sentence or trouble walking on level ground, that really warrants immediate attention. And there’s good treatment for it,” Li says.

Asthma symptoms may flare up because of a number of triggers. It’s not clear why some people are affected and some are not. And there may be some hereditary and environmental factors that increase a person’s risk for developing asthma.

Risk factors for asthma may include:

■ Hereditary: having a family member with asthma.

■ Allergies such as hay fever.

■ Obesity.

■ Smoking.

■ Exposure to secondhand smoke.

■ Exposure to fumes or chemicals.

If you think you or your child may have asthma, seek medical care. Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the condition from getting worse over time.

MOST READ
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
 
How older people are reaping brain benefits from new tech

It’s almost like hearing a nutritionist say bacon is good for you: Digital technology use is being linked to reduced risk of cognitive impairment.

Top 10 questions about breast cancer answered

Breast cancer receives much attention in October, buts it’s crucial to keep screenings and exams at the forefront of preventive care year-round.

Jeremy Allen White takes ‘leap of faith’ as the Boss

Count Bruce Springsteen among those singing the praises of the actor portraying the younger version of the Boss in “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.”

How do you disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan?

The biggest no-no in the Medicare world is selling a new supplemental policy without advising the client how to disenroll from their Medicare Advantage plan.

 
Mini-meditations promote peace of mind at work

Practitioners say meditating before or at work helps them maintain focus, sit still and reduce stress.

Nearing 80, Las Vegas therapist continues to help, inspire

“One of the greatest challenges is holding space,” Nancy Hunterton says. “That means being present with someone without judgment, but with hope for them.”

Jennifer Lopez trumpets new movie’s message of love

“We should all be loving each other,” the singer-actor-producer says. “We need to see the humanity out there and realize that we really do need each other.”

MORE STORIES