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Although, asthma causes the inside walls of the airways, or the bronchial tubes, to become swollen and inflamed.

However, during an asthma attack, the airways swell, the muscles around them tighten, and it becomes difficult for air to move in and out of the  lungs.

Also, in 2019, around 7.8% of people in the United States had asthma. There are many types of this condition, and several factors can cause it or trigger an acute attack.

Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the airways. Therefore, it involves inflammation and narrowing inside the lungs, which restricts air supply.

Also, a person living with asthma may experience:

• Coughing
• Breathlessness
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Increased mucus production
• Wheezing

However, an asthma attack occurs when the symptoms become severe. Therefore, attacks can begin suddenly and range from mild to life threatening.

In fact, in some cases, swelling in the airways can prevent oxygen from reaching the lungs. Also, this means that oxygen cannot enter the bloodstream or reach vital organs. Therefore, people who experience severe symptoms need urgent medical attention.

A doctor can prescribe suitable treatments and advise a person on the best ways to manage their asthma symptoms.

Asthma can develop in many different ways and for many different reasons, but the triggers are often the same. They can include several broad categories, such as:

• Allergens, including dander and pollen
• Certain medications
• Exercise
• Irritants, such as smoke and chemicals
• Other health conditions
• strong emotions
• Weather

The sections below discuss some common types of asthma:

Childhood Asthma

Therefore, it is vital to seek medical attention if a child starts to experience asthma, as it can be life threatening. Also, a doctor can advise on some of the best ways to manage the condition.

In fact, in certain cases, asthma may improve as the child reaches adulthood. However, for many people, it is a lifelong condition.

Asthma can develop at any age, including during adulthood.

Some factors that affect the risk of developing asthma in adulthood include the following:

• Allergies and exposure to allergens
• Hormonal factors
• Obesity
• Respiratory illness
• Stress
• Smoking

In fact, occupational asthma occurs as a result of exposure to an allergen or irritant present in the workplace. Therefore, about 1 in 6 adult-onset cases of asthma start at work.

Additionally, about 21% of working adults living with asthma have found that their symptoms worsen at work. Both indoor and outdoor work environments can expose an individual to asthma triggers.

Severe and Difficult-to Control Asthma

Eosinophilic asthma is another type of asthma that, in severe cases, may not respond to the usual medications. Although some people with eosinophilic asthma manage with standard asthma medications, others may benefit from specific biologic therapies.

Furthermore, one type of biologic medication reduces the number of eosinophils, which are a type of blood cell involved in an allergic reaction that can trigger asthma.

This type of asthma occurs in response to allergens that are only in the surrounding environment at certain times of the year.

For instance, cold air in the winter or pollen in the spring or summer may trigger symptoms of seasonal asthma.

In fact, individuals living with seasonal asthma still have the condition for the rest of the year, but they usually do not experience symptoms.

However, asthma does not always stem from an allergy.

Health experts do not know exactly what causes asthma, but genetic and environmental factors both seem to play a significant role.

Also, some factors, such as sensitization to an allergen, can be both a cause and a trigger. The sections below list some other causes and triggers:

Pregnancy

According to a 2020 study, smoking during pregnancy appears to increase the risk of the fetus developing asthma later in life. However, some people also experience an aggravation of asthma symptoms while pregnant.

Obesity

According to a 2018 study, obesity is both a risk factor for and a disease modifier of asthma in both children and adults.

Therefore, a person with obesity may experience more frequent and severe symptoms and a decreased quality of life. In addition, they may also not respond to medications as well.

Allergies

Allergies develop when a person’s body becomes sensitized to a specific substance. Therefore, once the sensitization has developed, the person will be susceptible to an allergic reaction each time they come into contact with the substance.

In fact, allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. Inhaling an allergen typically causes a person’s asthma symptoms to occur.

A doctor will often take into account a person’s symptoms, family and personal medical history, and test results.

When the doctor makes their diagnosis, they will also note the type of asthma a person has based on their triggers.

It can be helpful for a person to keep a log of their symptoms and possible triggers to help the doctor reach an accurate diagnosis. This should include information about potential irritants in the home, school, or workplace.

The sections below discuss some other tests a doctor may conduct to help diagnose asthma:

Other Tests for Asthma

Other tests for asthma diagnosis include the following:

• Challenge test: This test allows a doctor to assess how triggers such as cold air, exercise, or inhaled medications affect a person’s breathing.
• Allergy testing: A doctor may use a skin or blood test to check for a response.
• Blood test: A doctor may recommend a blood test to check for elevated eosinophils and immunoglobulin E, which is an antibody the immune system generates in people with allergic asthma.

In addition, a doctor may also order a FeNo test, as well as additional tests to rule out other conditions.

Treatment options for asthma are increasing and improving. The goal of treatment is to:

• Help the patient breathe better
• Reduce the number of attacks
• Increase the number of activities they can engage in

Consequently, a patient should work with a healthcare professional to develop the most suitable treatment plan for them. However, some current options for treatment include quick-relief medication and long-term control medications.

Also, quick-relief medications help alleviate symptoms, while long-term control medication reduces the number of attacks if a person takes it daily.

Asthma medications currently include:

• Antibiotics for a bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis
• Long- and short-term bronchodilators that relax muscles around the airways
• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, for long-term maintenance, or oral steroids for an acute attack
• Combination of bronchodilators and corticosteroids

The ALA recommends that everyone living with asthma, even exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, formerly known as exercise-induced asthma, exercise regularly. Therefore, regular exercise has several health benefits, including helping improve a person’s overall lung function and capacity.

Also, before starting a new exercise program, a person should consult a doctor about what activities are safe for them. However, it is possible the doctor will recommend a person avoid certain activities.

Moreover, a person can generally participate in sports, exercise, and other physical activities if they take steps to control their asthma with medications.

Other Suggestions

Other suggestions for safe and effective exercising for a person to try include:

• Avoiding activities outside when air quality is poor
• Covering their nose and mouth during exercise in cold weather
• Making sure they adequately warm up first
• Taking time to properly cool down afterward

Furthermore, if a person experiences pain at any time during exercise, they should stop and use a fast-acting inhaler. Also, if symptoms get worse, they should contact a doctor.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes swelling in the airways. It can affect people of any age, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

In most cases, effective treatment can help a patient with asthma live a full and active life.