What is asthma?
Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and hyper-reactive, narrowing in response to triggers and making it harder to breathe. It affects both children and adults and, while there’s no cure, it’s highly manageable with an individualized treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing, especially exhaling)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing, especially at night or early morning, or triggered by exercise
Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to frequent and severe, and often change over time.
What triggers asthma symptoms?
- Allergens: dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander
- Respiratory infections, including colds and flu
- Exercise, especially in cold or dry air
- Smoke, strong odors, and air pollution
- Stress and strong emotional reactions
How is asthma diagnosed?
A physical exam combined with lung function testing (spirometry) measures how well air moves in and out of the lungs, and how much that improves with medication — confirming both the diagnosis and its severity.
What is the treatment for asthma?
- Controller medication (usually an inhaled corticosteroid) taken daily to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms, even when feeling well.
- Rescue inhaler for quick relief during symptoms or before triggers like exercise.
- An action plan, developed with your doctor, outlining what to do as symptoms escalate — including when to seek emergency care.
- Regular follow-up to adjust treatment as control improves or triggers change.
Everything under one roof
Spirometry testing, pediatric and adult pulmonology consultations, and emergency care for a severe attack are all available at Hospital CMQ.
Frequent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath? Message us on WhatsApp to schedule a pulmonology consultation.
When is an asthma attack a medical emergency?
Seek emergency care immediately if a rescue inhaler doesn’t relieve symptoms within minutes, if breathing is so difficult that speaking in full sentences is hard, or if lips or fingertips look bluish.
How can asthma attacks be prevented?
- Take controller medication consistently, even without symptoms — this is the most common reason for poor control.
- Identify and reduce exposure to your specific triggers.
- Get an annual flu vaccine, since respiratory infections commonly trigger flare-ups.
- Review your action plan periodically with your doctor, especially after any ER visit or hospitalization.
Reviewed by: Dr. Salvador Gonzalez, Pediatrics, Hospital CMQ.
Review date: July 2026.
References: Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), Mayo Clinic, World Health Organization (WHO).