What is Asthma?

07 February 2012

Asthma is a disease of the airways, the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. When you have asthma symptoms the muscles in the airways tighten and the lining of the airways swells and produces sticky mucous. These changes cause the airways to become narrow, so that there is less space for the air to flow into and out of your lungs.

Most people with asthma only have asthma symptoms when they are near something that irritates the airways, catch a cold, or do strenuous exercise without the right preparation.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

  • Wheeze or a whistling sound as you breathe
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough (especially at night or early morning)

You do not need to have all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with asthma.

What causes asthma symptoms?

If you have asthma, your airways are more sensitive than usual. Your airways are more likely to react to certain elements in the environment, called triggers. Triggers can cause the airways to become narrow and inflamed, leading to asthma symptoms. Avoiding triggers, if possible, can help to control asthma.

The many triggers for asthma can be different for different people. Common triggers are:

  • Allergy-related triggers, e.g. house dust mites, pollens, pets, moulds
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Viral infections, e.g. colds and flu
  • Weather, e.g. cold air, change in temperature, thunderstorms
  • Work-related triggers, e.g. wood dust, chemicals, metal salts

Taking control of your asthma

With good management, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.

The key steps are:

  • Understand and avoid your asthma triggers
  • See your doctor for regular check-ups and work together to manage your asthma
  • Follow your personal written asthma action plan, developed with your doctor
  • Use your medications as prescribed, even when you feel well
  • Make sure you are using your inhaler (puffer) correctly
  • Live a healthy lifestyle – stop smoking, follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly

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asthma, triggers, wheeze, written asthma action plan
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