Asthma: IntroductionAsthma is a chronic, ongoing lung disease marked by acute flare-ups or attacks of difficulty with breathing. It is a common disease that can happen at any age but most often occurs during childhood and can continue into adulthood. More than 6 million children and 22 million adults in the U.S. have the condition, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Characteristics of asthma include inflammation of the airways in the lungs. These include the bronchioles, small hollow passageways that branch off the main airway from the mouth and nose. Air and oxygen pass through the bronchioles into the alveoli, tiny hollow structures in the lungs where oxygen is absorbed in to the bloodstream. In asthma, bronchioles and alveoli become inflamed, irritated and swollen, blocking the flow of air into the lungs.
The surrounding muscles react by tightening and further blocking the flow of oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream. The airway also begins to make more mucus than normal, which further blocks the airways and compounds the problem with the intake of air.
This process leads to the development of the hallmark symptoms of asthma: wheezing and shortness of breath. Complications of untreated or poorly treated asthma can be serious and even life-threatening. For more information on symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of asthma.
Asthma is often associated with allergies, and most people with asthma also have allergies. In these people the disease is often known as allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma. Other types of asthma include occupational asthma, which is caused by breathing irritating or toxic chemicals work. Cough-variant asthma is a form of asthma in which a dry, irritating cough is the most prominent symptom.
People most at risk for developing asthma include young children who frequently experience colds or other respiratory infections, such as bronchitis. Other major risk factors include having eczema, an allergic skin condition, and having parents with asthma. Asthma can also develop from occupational exposure to irritating chemicals. Air pollution, smoking and second hand exposure to smoke also contribute to the risk of developing asthma or experiencing a worsening of asthma symptoms.
Making a diagnosis of asthma includes completing a complete medical evaluation and history and physical examination. Diagnostic testing can include lung function tests, such as spirometry. This simple painless test measures how much air a person is able to move in and out of the lungs. Spirometry is also often used regularly to monitor how well asthma treatments are working.
A chest X-ray may also be done, which can evaluate a number of factors, including the presence of other conditions that may occur with or without asthma symptoms, such as pneumonia, and bronchitis. A bronchoprovocation test may also be performed to measure lung function after a variety of factors that potentially provoke asthma symptoms are introduced to the patient. Allergy testing is also commonly performed to determine a person's individual sensitivities to allergens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction that can result in asthma symptoms.
It is possible that a diagnosis of asthma can be missed or delayed because symptoms may be mild or not typical or are associated with other conditions. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of asthma.
There is no cure for asthma, although some children may grow out of the condition. With an individualized treatment plan that best fits the type and severity of asthma and a person's life style, asthma can be successfully treated. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of asthma. ...more »
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic, ongoing lung disease or respiratory condition marked by acute flare-ups or attacks of difficulty with breathing. This includes shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, and the hallmark wheezing sound, a "whistling" noise that occurs with respirations. It is a common condition that most often occurs during childhood and can continue into adulthood. The onset of asthma can also occur at any age. More than 6 million children and 22 million adults in the U.S. have the condition, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to life threatening.
Asthma is a disease of the lower respiratory track. Characteristics include inflammation of the airways in the lungs. These include the bronchioles, small hollow passageways that branch off the main airway from the mouth and nose. Air and oxygen pass through the bronchioles into the alveoli, tiny hollow structures in the lungs where oxygen is absorbed in to the bloodstream. In asthma, bronchioles and alveoli become inflamed, irritated and swollen, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. The surrounding muscles react by tightening and further blocking the flow of oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream. The airway also begins to make more mucus than normal, which further blocks the airways and compounds the problem with the intake of air. ...more »
Asthma: SymptomsAsthma symptoms can range from mild to life threatening. The hallmark symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling sound that is created as air is forced through the narrowed airways in the lungs of a person with asthma. Wheezing is often heard when a person with asthma exhales, but may also be heard when a person inhales. Some ...more »
Asthma: TreatmentsAsthma is a chronic disease that is not curable, but with regular medical care and consistent patient compliance with treatments, asthma attacks can successfully be minimized in occurrence, length and severity. The treatment goal for asthma patients is to control symptoms to a degree that allows them to live normal, active lives and to sleep comfortably.
The most effect ...more »
Alternative Treatments for AsthmaAlternative treatments or home remedies that have been listed in various sources as possibly beneficial for Asthma may include:
Butterbur (type of ragweed)
Hypnosis
Acupuncture
more treatments »
Asthma: MisdiagnosisPrompt diagnosis and treatment of asthma is vital to preventing serious, even life threatening complications, such as pneumonia and respiratory arrest.
In some cases, a diagnosis of asthma may be overlooked or delayed because the symptoms may be mild. Additionally, not all symptoms of asthma are always related to asthma. Wheezing, a whistling sound made during breathing ...more »
Symptoms of AsthmaClick to Check
Symptoms of an asthma attack:
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
more symptoms...»
See full list of 18 symptoms of Asthma
Treatments for AsthmaHospitalization
Anti-inflammatory agents
Long-term asthma medications
Inhaled steroids
Oral steroids
more treatments...»
See full list of 36 treatments for Asthma
Home Diagnostic TestingHome medical testing related to Asthma:
Child Behavior: Home Testing
ADHD -- Home Test Kits
Concentration -- Home Testing
Child General Health: Home Testing
more...»
Wrongly Diagnosed with Asthma?Misdiagnosis of Asthma
Failure to diagnose Asthma
Hidden causes of Asthma (possibly wrongly diagnosed)
Undiagnosed: Asthma
Videos for Asthma
Managing Asthma
Having asthma doesn't mean the end to an active lifestyle. Learn about treatment options for managing asthma here.
True Life Story: Asthma
Ami felt shut out of life until she took steps to control her asthma. Find out how she did it.
What is Asthma?
Go inside the lungs to see what happens during an asthma attack.
Asthma Attacks
Learn the common triggers of asthma attacks and classic signs that an attack may be happening.
See full list of 4 related videos Asthma: Related Patient StoriesWhat Is Asthma?
Question about Asthma Tests
Doctors can't help, say asthma?
asthma and hypothroid
Asthma? Need Help/No Health Insurance
Not ready to call it asthma
Natural method to prevent/relieve asthma-episode
Asthma or something else?
For asthma sufferers pls read
Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis
Natural Healing Of The Asthma
re diagnosed with asthma
Bronchitis or just bad asthma?
Asthma-help!!
Asthma Misdiagnosis
asthma unmanaged doc's stumped
Asthma/Congestion
Severe Asthma/Pneumonia/TB
misdiagnosed asthma?
2 yr old w/ Asthma
Asthma: DeathsRead more about Deaths and Asthma.
News Archives for AsthmaMedical news articles related to Asthma include:
Asthma Drugs Get 'Precaution' Labeling for Possible Psychiatric Side Effects
Prenatal Exposure to Traffic Pollution May Lead to Asthma
Obesity May Dampen Response to Asthma Meds
Protein May Hold Key to Blocking Allergy-Induced Asthma
Molecule in Skin May Link Eczema and Asthma
Climate Change Could Sting Allergy, Asthma Sufferers
more health news...»
Source: HealthDay News
Curable Types of AsthmaPossibly curable types of Asthma include:
Exercise related asthma
Emotional stress related asthma
Obesity associated asthma
Medication related like beta- adrenergic receptor blockers
Occupational asthma
Tobacco smoke related asthma
Drug hypersensitivity
more types...»
Rare Types of Asthma:Rare types of Asthma include:
Obesity associated asthma
Medication related like beta- adrenergic receptor blockers
Perinatal factors (prematurity and increased maternal age)
Household sprays and paint fumes associated
Allergy-induced asthma
Adult-onset asthma
Adulthood asthma
Childhood asthma
more types...»
Asthma: ComplicationsReview possible medical complications related to Asthma:
School absenteeism (see Absenteeism)
Home confinement
Breathing difficulty
Hospitalization
Asphyxia
Death
Status asthmaticus - repeated bouts of asthma attacks without respite.
more complications...»
Causes of AsthmaRead more about causes of Asthma.
More information about causes of Asthma:
Triggers for Asthma
Medications, drugs, or substances causing Asthma (199 listings)
Asthma as a complication caused by other conditions
Asthma as a symptom
Medical news summaries relating to Causes of Asthma
Disease Topics Related To AsthmaResearch the causes of these diseases that are similar to, or related to, Asthma:
Adult asthma
Asthma inhalers
Status asthmaticus
Hyperreactive airway disease
Exercise-induced asthma
Exercise-induced bronchospasm
Airway inflammation
more related diseases...»
Characteristics of asthma include inflammation of the airways in the lungs. These include the bronchioles, small hollow passageways that branch off the main airway from the mouth and nose. Air and oxygen pass through the bronchioles into the alveoli, tiny hollow structures in the lungs where oxygen is absorbed in to the bloodstream. In asthma, bronchioles and alveoli become inflamed, irritated and swollen, blocking the flow of air into the lungs.
The surrounding muscles react by tightening and further blocking the flow of oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream. The airway also begins to make more mucus than normal, which further blocks the airways and compounds the problem with the intake of air.
This process leads to the development of the hallmark symptoms of asthma: wheezing and shortness of breath. Complications of untreated or poorly treated asthma can be serious and even life-threatening. For more information on symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of asthma.
Asthma is often associated with allergies, and most people with asthma also have allergies. In these people the disease is often known as allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma. Other types of asthma include occupational asthma, which is caused by breathing irritating or toxic chemicals work. Cough-variant asthma is a form of asthma in which a dry, irritating cough is the most prominent symptom.
People most at risk for developing asthma include young children who frequently experience colds or other respiratory infections, such as bronchitis. Other major risk factors include having eczema, an allergic skin condition, and having parents with asthma. Asthma can also develop from occupational exposure to irritating chemicals. Air pollution, smoking and second hand exposure to smoke also contribute to the risk of developing asthma or experiencing a worsening of asthma symptoms.
Making a diagnosis of asthma includes completing a complete medical evaluation and history and physical examination. Diagnostic testing can include lung function tests, such as spirometry. This simple painless test measures how much air a person is able to move in and out of the lungs. Spirometry is also often used regularly to monitor how well asthma treatments are working.
A chest X-ray may also be done, which can evaluate a number of factors, including the presence of other conditions that may occur with or without asthma symptoms, such as pneumonia, and bronchitis. A bronchoprovocation test may also be performed to measure lung function after a variety of factors that potentially provoke asthma symptoms are introduced to the patient. Allergy testing is also commonly performed to determine a person's individual sensitivities to allergens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction that can result in asthma symptoms.
It is possible that a diagnosis of asthma can be missed or delayed because symptoms may be mild or not typical or are associated with other conditions. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of asthma.
There is no cure for asthma, although some children may grow out of the condition. With an individualized treatment plan that best fits the type and severity of asthma and a person's life style, asthma can be successfully treated. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of asthma. ...more »
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic, ongoing lung disease or respiratory condition marked by acute flare-ups or attacks of difficulty with breathing. This includes shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, and the hallmark wheezing sound, a "whistling" noise that occurs with respirations. It is a common condition that most often occurs during childhood and can continue into adulthood. The onset of asthma can also occur at any age. More than 6 million children and 22 million adults in the U.S. have the condition, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to life threatening.
Asthma is a disease of the lower respiratory track. Characteristics include inflammation of the airways in the lungs. These include the bronchioles, small hollow passageways that branch off the main airway from the mouth and nose. Air and oxygen pass through the bronchioles into the alveoli, tiny hollow structures in the lungs where oxygen is absorbed in to the bloodstream. In asthma, bronchioles and alveoli become inflamed, irritated and swollen, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. The surrounding muscles react by tightening and further blocking the flow of oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream. The airway also begins to make more mucus than normal, which further blocks the airways and compounds the problem with the intake of air. ...more »
Asthma: SymptomsAsthma symptoms can range from mild to life threatening. The hallmark symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling sound that is created as air is forced through the narrowed airways in the lungs of a person with asthma. Wheezing is often heard when a person with asthma exhales, but may also be heard when a person inhales. Some ...more »
Asthma: TreatmentsAsthma is a chronic disease that is not curable, but with regular medical care and consistent patient compliance with treatments, asthma attacks can successfully be minimized in occurrence, length and severity. The treatment goal for asthma patients is to control symptoms to a degree that allows them to live normal, active lives and to sleep comfortably.
The most effect ...more »
Alternative Treatments for AsthmaAlternative treatments or home remedies that have been listed in various sources as possibly beneficial for Asthma may include:
Butterbur (type of ragweed)
Hypnosis
Acupuncture
more treatments »
Asthma: MisdiagnosisPrompt diagnosis and treatment of asthma is vital to preventing serious, even life threatening complications, such as pneumonia and respiratory arrest.
In some cases, a diagnosis of asthma may be overlooked or delayed because the symptoms may be mild. Additionally, not all symptoms of asthma are always related to asthma. Wheezing, a whistling sound made during breathing ...more »
Symptoms of AsthmaClick to Check
Symptoms of an asthma attack:
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
more symptoms...»
See full list of 18 symptoms of Asthma
Treatments for AsthmaHospitalization
Anti-inflammatory agents
Long-term asthma medications
Inhaled steroids
Oral steroids
more treatments...»
See full list of 36 treatments for Asthma
Home Diagnostic TestingHome medical testing related to Asthma:
Child Behavior: Home Testing
ADHD -- Home Test Kits
Concentration -- Home Testing
Child General Health: Home Testing
more...»
Wrongly Diagnosed with Asthma?Misdiagnosis of Asthma
Failure to diagnose Asthma
Hidden causes of Asthma (possibly wrongly diagnosed)
Undiagnosed: Asthma
Videos for Asthma
Managing Asthma
Having asthma doesn't mean the end to an active lifestyle. Learn about treatment options for managing asthma here.
True Life Story: Asthma
Ami felt shut out of life until she took steps to control her asthma. Find out how she did it.
What is Asthma?
Go inside the lungs to see what happens during an asthma attack.
Asthma Attacks
Learn the common triggers of asthma attacks and classic signs that an attack may be happening.
See full list of 4 related videos Asthma: Related Patient StoriesWhat Is Asthma?
Question about Asthma Tests
Doctors can't help, say asthma?
asthma and hypothroid
Asthma? Need Help/No Health Insurance
Not ready to call it asthma
Natural method to prevent/relieve asthma-episode
Asthma or something else?
For asthma sufferers pls read
Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis
Natural Healing Of The Asthma
re diagnosed with asthma
Bronchitis or just bad asthma?
Asthma-help!!
Asthma Misdiagnosis
asthma unmanaged doc's stumped
Asthma/Congestion
Severe Asthma/Pneumonia/TB
misdiagnosed asthma?
2 yr old w/ Asthma
Asthma: DeathsRead more about Deaths and Asthma.
News Archives for AsthmaMedical news articles related to Asthma include:
Asthma Drugs Get 'Precaution' Labeling for Possible Psychiatric Side Effects
Prenatal Exposure to Traffic Pollution May Lead to Asthma
Obesity May Dampen Response to Asthma Meds
Protein May Hold Key to Blocking Allergy-Induced Asthma
Molecule in Skin May Link Eczema and Asthma
Climate Change Could Sting Allergy, Asthma Sufferers
more health news...»
Source: HealthDay News
Curable Types of AsthmaPossibly curable types of Asthma include:
Exercise related asthma
Emotional stress related asthma
Obesity associated asthma
Medication related like beta- adrenergic receptor blockers
Occupational asthma
Tobacco smoke related asthma
Drug hypersensitivity
more types...»
Rare Types of Asthma:Rare types of Asthma include:
Obesity associated asthma
Medication related like beta- adrenergic receptor blockers
Perinatal factors (prematurity and increased maternal age)
Household sprays and paint fumes associated
Allergy-induced asthma
Adult-onset asthma
Adulthood asthma
Childhood asthma
more types...»
Asthma: ComplicationsReview possible medical complications related to Asthma:
School absenteeism (see Absenteeism)
Home confinement
Breathing difficulty
Hospitalization
Asphyxia
Death
Status asthmaticus - repeated bouts of asthma attacks without respite.
more complications...»
Causes of AsthmaRead more about causes of Asthma.
More information about causes of Asthma:
Triggers for Asthma
Medications, drugs, or substances causing Asthma (199 listings)
Asthma as a complication caused by other conditions
Asthma as a symptom
Medical news summaries relating to Causes of Asthma
Disease Topics Related To AsthmaResearch the causes of these diseases that are similar to, or related to, Asthma:
Adult asthma
Asthma inhalers
Status asthmaticus
Hyperreactive airway disease
Exercise-induced asthma
Exercise-induced bronchospasm
Airway inflammation
more related diseases...»