What are the main symptoms or signs of Asthma: Understanding Your Lungs to Breathe Better?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Asthma: Understanding Your Lungs to Breathe Better?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Pulmonology

Asthma: Understanding Your Lungs to Breathe Better

262 million asthmatics worldwide

Dr. Laurent Petit

Pulmonologist

9 min read

Medical illustration of Asthma: Understanding Your Lungs to Breathe Better

In simple terms

Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness: asthma is a chronic disease that can be well controlled with the right treatment.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchi. Under the effect of various triggers, the airways narrow (bronchospasm), swell, and produce excess mucus, making breathing difficult. health authorities estimates that 262 million people are affected and that 455,000 deaths per year are attributable to it.

Common triggers

Allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet dander), air pollution, tobacco smoke, cold air, physical exercise, respiratory infections, and emotional stress. Identifying one's own triggers is a key step in management.

Maintenance and rescue treatment

Maintenance treatment is based on inhaled corticosteroids (fluticasone, budesonide) that reduce bronchial inflammation. Short-acting bronchodilators (salbutamol) relieve attacks. Biologics (omalizumab, dupilumab) are reserved for severe, uncontrolled asthma.

Living with asthma

Well-controlled asthma allows for a perfectly normal life, including sports. Therapeutic education, proper inhalation technique, and a personalized action plan in case of an attack are essential. The peak-flow (peak expiratory flow) helps monitor the condition of the bronchi daily.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Chronic: A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
Inflammation: The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Asthma: Understanding Your Lungs to Breathe Better?: Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness: asthma is a chronic disease that can be well controlled with the right treatment.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Asthma: Understanding Your Lungs to Breathe Better?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Asthma: Understanding Your Lungs to Breathe Better?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

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