For Patients

Asthma

Asthma is a common and potentially serious chronic respiratory disease that can be very stressful for patients and their families. It affects people of all ages and often begins in childhood, but can also first appear in adulthood. It is an inflammation and narrowing of the airways that restricts airflow. Respiratory symptoms, limitations in physical activity, and acute asthma attacks can occur, the latter sometimes requiring urgent medical care and in rare cases can be fatal. Asthma is characterized by symptoms such as whistling breath sounds, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough that vary over time and in intensity.

Symptoms may occur several times a day and, in some individuals, may worsen during physical activity or at night. Factors that may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms include viral infections, household or occupational allergens (e.g., dust mite feces, pollen, animal dander, mold spores), tobacco smoke, physical activity, certain medications (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and stress. Appropriate clinical evaluation, based on the presenting symptoms and evidence of airway limitation, allows early treatment for better disease control and a good quality of life.

AT-WEB-29-10-2021