What triggers asthma attacks?
Common asthma triggers include allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold), respiratory infections, cold air, exercise, smoke, strong odors, air pollution, and stress. Triggers vary by person. Identifying and avoiding your specific triggers is a key part of asthma management.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and persistent cough (especially at night or early morning). Symptoms may worsen with exercise, allergies, or respiratory infections. Severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.
How is asthma treated?
Asthma treatment includes controller medications (inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting bronchodilators) for daily use and rescue inhalers (short-acting bronchodilators) for quick relief during flare-ups. Severe cases may require biologic therapies. Treatment is personalized based on severity and control level.
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be effectively controlled. With proper treatment and trigger management, most people with asthma live active, normal lives. Some children experience improvement or remission as they grow, though asthma can return in adulthood.
What's the difference between rescue and controller inhalers?
Rescue inhalers (short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol) provide quick relief during asthma symptoms by relaxing airway muscles. Controller inhalers (inhaled corticosteroids) are taken daily to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms — they don't work immediately for acute attacks.
Is it safe to exercise with asthma?
Yes, exercise is safe and beneficial for most people with asthma when properly managed. Use your rescue inhaler 15-30 minutes before exercise if prescribed. Warm up gradually, breathe through your nose, and avoid outdoor exercise during high pollen or pollution days. Swimming is often well-tolerated.
How often should I use my inhaler?
Controller inhalers are used daily as prescribed, even when feeling well. Rescue inhalers are used as needed for symptoms. If you need your rescue inhaler more than twice a week (excluding exercise use), your asthma is not well-controlled — consult your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan.
What is an asthma action plan?
An asthma action plan is a written document created with your doctor that outlines your daily medications, how to recognize worsening symptoms, and what steps to take in an emergency. It uses a green/yellow/red zone system based on symptoms and peak flow readings.
Do children outgrow asthma?
About 50% of children with asthma experience improvement or remission by adolescence, but asthma can return in adulthood. Factors like early onset, severity, allergies, and family history influence whether symptoms persist. Continued monitoring is important even during remission periods.
Is asthma genetic?
Asthma has a genetic component — having a parent with asthma increases your risk. However, environmental factors (allergen exposure, respiratory infections, air pollution) also play significant roles. You can develop asthma without family history, and not everyone with a family history develops it.
Can weather affect asthma?
Yes. Cold, dry air can trigger airway constriction. High humidity promotes mold and dust mites. Thunderstorms can cause "thunderstorm asthma" by breaking pollen into smaller particles. Monitor air quality and adjust outdoor activities during extreme weather conditions.
What should I do during an asthma attack?
Use your rescue inhaler immediately (2-4 puffs). Sit upright, stay calm, and breathe slowly. If symptoms don't improve within 15-20 minutes, use your inhaler again and call 911. Severe attacks require emergency care — don't delay seeking help.