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Yes. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease causing airway narrowing and mucus build-up, leading to recurring symptoms like wheezing, cough, and breathlessness. It is long lasting and typically manageable, but not curable.
Asthma results from chronic airway inflammation due to triggers like allergens (pollen, mold), infections, air pollution, cigarette smoke, and genetics.
Symptoms include wheezing (especially at night or early morning), shortness of breath, chest tightness, persistent cough, and excess mucus production.
It’s diagnosed through medical history, physical exam, and lung function tests like spirometry and peakflow measurement. Challenges may include bronchoprovocation tests and allergy testing.
No, asthma isn’t curable, but it’s treatable and manageable. Longterm medications (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids) and rescue inhalers help control symptoms.
Asthma features reversible airway obstruction and inflammation, while COPD (chronic bronchitis/emphysema) is mostly irreversible and progressive. Occasionally, asthma and COPD overlap (ACO) in some patients.
For those 12+, severity is classified as intermittent, mild, moderate, or severe persistent—based on frequency of symptoms, lung function, and rescue inhaler use.
Chronic inflammation can cause structural changes in the lungs—thickening of airway walls, scarring, and mucus gland enlargement—that may lead to irreversible airflow obstruction over time.
People with a family history of asthma/allergies, childhood respiratory infections, obesity, exposure to pollution or tobacco smoke, and certain workplace irritants are at higher risk.
Yes—childhood asthma is often allergic and more common in boys, while adult asthma may be nonallergic and more common in women.
Yes—if uncontrolled, persistent inflammation can cause airway remodeling and permanent lung damage. Inhaled corticosteroids are essential to prevent this.
Common triggers include allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander), respiratory infections, cold air, exercise, smoke, strong emotions, and certain medications.
Treatment includes quickrelief bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) and longterm controllers like inhaled steroids, leukotriene modifiers, and biologics, plus an Asthma Action Plan and trigger avoidance.
A personalized written plan that monitors symptoms and peak flow, outlines daily treatments, and provides steps for managing flare-ups or seeking emergency care.
Exercise can trigger asthma symptoms in some people (“exercise-induced asthma”), but regular, controlled activity generally strengthens pulmonary health. Warmups and premedication help .
A program combining exercise training, breathing techniques, education, stress management, and nutrition. It’s especially helpful for those whose asthma isn’t fully controlled by medications.
Yes—having a family history of asthma or allergies increases your risk. However, environmental exposures also play a major role .
Absolutely. Many asthmatics have atopic (allergic) asthma triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Others have nonatopic asthma triggered by irritants.
Regular followups (every 3–12 months) are recommended to assess symptom control, adjust treatment, update the Action Plan, and ensure correct inhaler use .
Yes! With proper diagnosis, treatment, trigger control, action planning, exercise, and regular care, most people live full, active lives with wellcontrolled asthma .
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