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Asthma in Teens and Adults

Condition Basics

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that can make it hard to breathe. It causes the airways that lead to the lungs to swell and get inflamed.

Some people have a hard time breathing only at certain times. This may be during allergy season, when they get a cold, or when they exercise. Others have breathing problems a lot of the time.

When asthma symptoms suddenly get worse (or flare up), the airways swell and become narrower. This makes it hard to breathe, and you may wheeze or cough. These flare-ups are also called asthma attacks or exacerbations (say "ig-ZAS-ur-BAY-shuns").

Even though asthma is a chronic condition, treatment can help you feel and breathe better and help keep your lungs healthy.

What causes it?

Experts don't know exactly what causes asthma. But we do know that asthma runs in families. And it's much more common in people who have allergies.

What are the symptoms?

When you have asthma, you may wheeze or cough a lot. You may also feel tightness in your chest or feel short of breath.

How is it diagnosed?

To find out if you have asthma, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your health. The doctor may also have you do breathing (lung function) tests to find out how well your lungs work. Your doctor may also do other tests to check for other health problems.

How is asthma treated?

Asthma is treated with medicine to help you breathe easier. Controller medicines are used to prevent asthma attacks. Quick-relief medicines are used when symptoms need to be treated fast. Treatment also includes things you can do to control your symptoms, like avoiding your triggers and following your asthma action plan.

How can you prevent asthma attacks?

There's no certain way to prevent asthma. But you can reduce your risk of asthma attacks by avoiding things that cause them. For example, don't smoke. Try not to exercise outside when it's cold and dry. And stay inside when pollution levels are high. Using your asthma controller medicine helps prevent asthma attacks.

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Information about Asthma in Teens and Adults

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