The doctor says I have asthma. What's my plan?

Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs. When you breathe, air goes in and out of your lungs through small tubes called airways. With asthma, two main things may happen in the airways:

• Inflammation—the airways become inflamed and have more mucus.
• Constriction—the muscles around the airways tighten and narrow the airways.

These airway changes make it harder to breathe and cause asthma symptoms.

What does asthma feel like?

Asthma symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or wheezing.

What triggers asthma flare-ups?

Many common things may cause asthma flare-ups. These are called "triggers" and include:

  Infections, such as colds or viruses

  Allergens like dust mites, molds, pollen, and animal dander

  Cigarette smoke and air pollution

  Exercise

  Weather changes

  Strong emotions such as upset and stress

 

You can help prevent asthma flare-ups by staying away from the things that make your asthma worse. Ask your doctor for tips on how to avoid your triggers.

 

My doctor said asthma can't be cured.
So why do I need medicine every day?

It's true, there is no cure for asthma. But there are medicines to help you prevent asthma flare-ups and relieve asthma symptoms when they do occur.

 

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