Asthma

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes your airways to become inflamed, leading them to narrow and produce extra mucus. This inflammation makes it difficult for enough oxygen to enter the lungs. While allergens such as pollen or dust can trigger asthma attacks, some individuals may have unknown triggers. The condition can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, symptoms may occur more than once a day and worsen at night. Although there is no cure for asthma, its symptoms can be managed with treatment.

Some individuals experience worsened symptoms when breathing cold air, during exercise, or when exposed to irritants like pollen, dust, or environmental pollution. While many people can manage intermittent attacks with an inhaler, others—especially those with eosinophilic asthma (EA)—may experience frequent, severe attacks that require emergency care. Eosinophilic asthma is a form of severe asthma caused by high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that normally helps fight infections. In excess, eosinophils cause significant inflammation and swelling of the airways, and individuals with EA often experience additional symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, and a reduced sense of smell.

Asthma is also categorized by how well it responds to treatment. Severe asthma, which is resistant to standard treatments, tends to persist throughout the day and may significantly limit regular activities. Individuals with severe asthma may wake up multiple times during the night and have a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of less than 60% of normal.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Asthma:

• Difficulty Breathing:
  • Shortness of breath and labored breathing, especially during an asthma attack.
• Coughing:
  • Persistent cough, often worse at night or early in the morning.
• Wheezing:
  • A high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling.
• Chest Tightness or Pain:
  • A sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest.
• Frequent or Severe Asthma Attacks:
  • Episodes of intensified symptoms that may require emergency treatment.
• Additional Symptoms in Eosinophilic Asthma:
  • Chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, and a reduced sense of smell.

This information is provided as a resource and is not intended to diagnose a condition or prescribe treatment. Please discuss any symptoms you may exhibit with your physician.