Asthma

Key facts • Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease (NCD), affecting both children and adults, and is the most common chronic disease among children. • Inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs cause asthma symptoms, which can be any combination of cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and chest tightness. • Asthma affected an estimated 262 million people in 2019 (1) and caused 455 000 deaths. • Inhaled medication can control asthma symptoms and allow people with asthma to lead a normal, active life. • Avoiding asthma triggers can also help to reduce asthma symptoms. • Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where under-diagnosis and under-treatment is a challenge. • WHO is committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of asthma to reduce the global burden of NCDs and make progress towards universal health coverage. Overview Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time. Although asthma can be a serious condition, it can be managed with the right treatment. People with symptoms of asthma should speak to a health professional. Impact Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Peopl...

Overview Asthma causes bronchospasms, inflammation, thick mucus and constriction in the airways. What is asthma? Asthma, also called bronchial asthma, is a disease that affects your lungs. It’s a chronic (ongoing) condition, meaning it doesn’t go away and needs ongoing medical management. Asthma affects more than 25 million people in the U.S. currently. This total includes more than 5 million children. Asthma can be life-threatening if you don’t get treatment. What is an asthma attack? When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways are relaxed, letting air move easily and quietly. During an asthma attack, three things can happen: • Bronchospasm: The muscles around the airways constrict (tighten). When they tighten, it makes your airways narrow. Air cannot flow freely through constricted airways. • Inflammation: The lining of your airways becomes swollen. Swollen airways don’t let as much air in or out of your lungs. • Mucus production: During the attack, your body creates more mucus. This thick mucus clogs airways. When your airways get tighter, you make a sound called wheezing when you breathe, a noise your airways make when you breathe out. You might also hear an asthma attack called an exacerbation or a flare-up. It’s the term for when your asthma isn’t controlled. What types of asthma are there? Asthma is broken down into types based on the cause and the severity of symptoms. Healthcare providers identify asthma as: • Intermittent: This type of asthma comes and...

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways to the lungs. It makes breathing difficult and can make some physical activities challenging or even impossible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), To understand asthma, it’s necessary to understand a little about what happens when you breathe. Normally, with every breath you take, air goes through your nose or mouth, down into your throat, and into your airways, eventually making it to your lungs. There are lots of small air passages in your lungs that help deliver oxygen from the air into your bloodstream. Asthma symptoms occur when the lining of your airways swells and the muscles around them tighten. Mucus then fills the airways, further reducing the amount of air that can pass through. These conditions can then bring on an asthma “attack,” which is the coughing and tightness in the chest that’s typical of asthma. The Other asthma symptoms may include: • coughing, especially at night, when laughing, or during exercise • tightness in the chest • shortness of breath • difficulty talking • anxiousness or panic • fatigue • chest pain • rapid breathing • frequent infections • trouble sleeping The type of asthma that you have can determine which symptoms you experience. Some people experience symptoms consistently throughout the day. Others may find that certain activities can make symptoms worse. Not everyone with asthma will experience these particular symptoms. If you think the symptoms you’r...

Asthma attack If you have asthma, the inside walls of the airways in your lungs can become inflamed and swollen. In addition, membranes in your airway linings may secrete excess mucus. The result is an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, your narrowed airways make it harder to breathe, and you may cough and wheeze. Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Symptoms Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time. Asthma signs and symptoms include: • Shortness of breath • Chest tightness or pain • Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children • Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing • Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include: • Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome • Increasing difficulty breathing, as measured with a device used to check how well your lungs are working (peak flow meter) • The need to use a quick-r...

AAFA offers a variety of educational programs, resources and tools for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. AAFA launches educational awareness campaigns throughout the year. We teach the general public about asthma and allergic diseases. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Research & Reports Research is an important part of our pursuit of better health. Through research, we gain better understanding of illnesses and diseases, new medicines, ways to improve quality of life and cures. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) conducts and promotes research for asthma and allergic diseases. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Advocacy AAFA works to support public policies that will benefit people with asthma and allergies. Advocacy and public policy work are important for protecting the health and safety of those with asthma and allergies. We advocate for federal and state legislation as well as regulatory actions that will help you. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Get Involved There are several ways you can support AAFA in its mission to provide education and support to patients and families living with asthma and allergies. You can make a donation, fundraise for AAFA, take action in May for Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and join a community to get the help and support you need. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • News The best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, take medications to preven...

What Is Asthma? Asthma is a serious disease that affects about 25 million Americans and causes nearly 1.6 million emergency room visits every year. With treatment, you can live well. Without it, you might have to go to the ER often or stay at the hospital, which can affect your daily life. What Does Asthma Feel Like? There are three major signs of asthma: • Airway blockage. When you breathe as usual, the bands of muscle around your airways are relaxed, and air moves freely. But when you have asthma, the muscles tighten. It’s harder for air to pass through. • Inflammation. Asthma causes red, swollen bronchial tubes in your lungs. This inflammation can damage your • Airway irritability. People with asthma have sensitive airways that tend to overreact and narrow when they come into contact with even slight triggers. These problems may cause symptoms such as: • • • Shortness of breath • Tightness, • Not every person with Some people with asthma may go for long periods without having any symptoms. Others might have problems every day. In addition, some people may have Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common but last longer and require medical help right away. It is important to recognize and treat even mild asthma symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under better control. When to see your doctor Get medical help right away if you have serious symptoms ...