Experiences with
AsthmaSymptoms of asthma
The main symptoms of asthma are:
- a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing)
- breathlessness
- a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it
- coughing
The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack.
Treatments for asthma
Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler, a small device that lets you breathe in medicines.
The main types are:
- reliever inhalers – used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time
- preventer inhalers – used every day to prevent asthma symptoms happening
Some people also need to take tablets.
Causes and triggers of asthma
Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow.
It may happen randomly or after exposure to a trigger.
Common asthma triggers include:
- allergies (to house dust mites, animals or pollen, for example)
- smoke, pollution and cold air
- exercise
- infections like colds or flu
Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.
SymptomsMedical treatmentsCausesThe main symptoms of asthma include wheezing and shortness of breath. There may be times when the symptoms get better and times when they get worse.
The main treatments for asthma are inhalers that either ease symptoms when they happen or help stop symptoms happening.
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. It's sometimes triggered by things like allergies or smoke.
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