Asthma
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Asthma is a common condition affecting breathing
- It cannot be cured, but symptoms can be well-controlled
- Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
- Triggers can include exercise, pollution, and allergens
Overview
Asthma is a common condition that makes breathing difficult. It affects people of all ages, often starting in childhood. While there is currently no cure for asthma, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms and allow individuals to live a full and active life. Symptoms usually come and go, but can be triggered by various factors such as exercise, cold air, air pollution, or allergens like pollen, dust, and animal dander. An asthma attack is a severe worsening of symptoms that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. With proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, most people with asthma can control their condition and prevent severe attacks, ensuring their breathing problems do not interfere with daily activities or sleep.
Signs and Symptoms
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Tight chest feeling
- Symptoms worse at night or early morning
Things That Increase the Risk
- Exercise
- High levels of air pollution
- Cold air
- Allergens like pollen, dust, mold, or animals
Diagnosis
- GP or nurse asks about symptoms and listens to chest
- Simple breathing tests
- Blood tests (sometimes)
- Using a peak flow meter at home to monitor lung function
Treatment & Management
- Inhalers to prevent or relieve symptoms
- Anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) inhalers for symptoms
- Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) inhalers for daily use and symptoms
- Preventer inhalers for daily use and separate blue reliever inhalers
- Correct inhaler technique is crucial
- Stronger inhalers or oral tablets like montelukast
- Biological therapies for severe, uncontrolled asthma
- Hospital treatment for severe attacks (oxygen, nebulizers, steroids)
Prevention
- Always carry your inhaler
- Use inhalers as prescribed by your care team
- Avoid known asthma triggers
- Exercise regularly, with medical advice if needed
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get recommended vaccinations, like the flu vaccine
- Do not smoke
- Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Asthma:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Breathing, often starts in childhood
Prevalence
Common condition
Diagnosis
Breathing tests, physical exam
Treatment
Inhalers, medication, trigger avoidance
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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