Asthma basics: triggers, treatment and action plans
Asthma affects millions of Americans, children and adults alike. With the right plan, most people with asthma can live full, active lives.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways are inflamed and extra sensitive. When something triggers them:
- The muscles around the airways tighten
- The airway lining swells
- Extra mucus is produced
The airways narrow, making it harder to breathe.
Common symptoms
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Coughing, often worse at night or early morning
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
Common triggers
- Pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander (allergy guide)
- Respiratory infections such as colds and flu
- Smoke, including tobacco smoke and wildfire smoke
- Air pollution and red tide
- Exercise, cold air and strong smells
- Stress and strong emotions
Treatment
There are two main types of medicine:
- Controller (maintenance) medicines, such as inhaled corticosteroids, taken regularly to reduce inflammation and prevent attacks.
- Quick-relief (rescue) medicines, which open the airways quickly during symptoms.
Your doctor will choose what's right for you. Using your inhaler correctly makes a big difference, so ask to be shown, and use a spacer if recommended.
Your asthma action plan
An asthma action plan is a written plan from your doctor that tells you:
- Which medicines to take every day
- How to recognize when asthma is getting worse
- What to do as symptoms increase
- When to call your doctor and when to go to the emergency room
Many plans use green, yellow and red zones. Keep copies at home, at work or school, and on your phone.
When to get emergency help
Call 911 if you have severe shortness of breath, trouble speaking in full sentences, lips or fingernails turning blue or gray, or if your rescue inhaler isn't helping.
Asthma and HBOT
The FDA has stated that HBOT has not been proven to treat asthma. If you have asthma and are considering wellness HBOT sessions, talk to your doctor first and tell your provider during screening. See Who should not do HBOT.