Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that inflames and narrows the airways. Symptoms can come and go, and triggers vary from person to person. According to the NHLBI, asthma affects 1 in 13 Americans.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, especially at night or with exercise, allergens, or illness.
Causes and risk
Triggers include viral infections, smoke, allergens, exercise, and air pollution.
How it is evaluated
We review symptoms, inhaler use, triggers, prior attacks, and whether testing or a controller medicine is needed.
Treatment
Treatment can include rescue inhalers, controller inhalers, trigger reduction, and an action plan for flare-ups.