Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that can affect individuals of all ages. Asthma causes airways to swell, tighten and produce mucus, making it difficult to breathe.
If you're experiencing chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath, asthma might be the culprit. Atrium Health can support you through every step of the process, from diagnosis and assessment to treatment.
Types of Asthma
- Allergic asthma: Triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold
- Nonallergic asthma: Caused by factors such as stress, colds or other irritants
- Exercise-induced asthma: Occurs as a result of physical activity or exertion
- Seasonal asthma: Associated with seasonal changes, including cold weather and exposure to pollen
- Occupational asthma: Develops from exposure to things such as dust or chemicals found in workplaces
- Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): A progressive condition that affects people who have both asthma and COPD
Need care? We're here for you.
Find a primary care provider for ongoing, personalized care. Choose from virtual and in-person options for every age.
Find a virtual provider Find a virtual pediatrician Find a provider near you Find a pediatrician near youAbout Asthma: Causes, Triggers and Symptoms
Although the exact cause of asthma is not completely known, there are several factors that can trigger the condition. Exposure to specific allergens or asthma triggers may result in an asthma attack by causing the airways to become inflamed and constricted, making breathing more difficult.
Asthma and asthma attacks can also contribute to complications like decreased lung function, diabetes, infections, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and sleep conditions like sleep apnea.
Risk Factors for Asthma
Although asthma can affect anyone, some individuals may have a higher risk of developing the condition. Allergies, obesity, family history of asthma and exposure to pollution and chemicals can greatly increase your risk of developing asthma. You're also at a higher risk if you're Black or Hispanic.
Asthma Triggers
- Dust mites, mold or pollen
- Pet dander
- Air pollution, changes in weather or exposure to cold temperatures
- Respiratory infections and colds
- Strong emotions, stress or anxiety
- Tobacco smoke
- Exercise and physical activities
- Certain foods
- Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Allergies are one of the most common types of triggers for asthma. This type of asthma is commonly referred to as allergic asthma and environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, mold and pet dander are among the most common triggers of allergic asthma.
Asthma Symptoms
People with asthma commonly have asthma attacks followed by symptom-free periods. These attacks can last minutes, hours or days, and may become severe if airflow is obstructed. Trouble breathing, chest pain, wheezing and shortness of breath while exercising are all common symptoms of an asthma attack.
These symptoms require immediate medical intervention:
- Bluish color to your lips or face
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Difficulty breathing combined with drowsiness, a rapid heart rate or excessive sweating
Asthma Diagnosis
A number of health care providers can diagnose and treat asthma, including primary care providers, pulmonologists, allergists, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors.
- Skin and blood tests that check for reactions to allergens
- Blood tests that assess specific antibodies that the immune system produces in response to certain allergens and asthma
- Imaging such as chest X-rays and CT scans to view the lungs and airways
- Lung function tests that measure how effectively air flows through the lungs
Asthma Treatment
Your health care provider will help create a personalized treatment plan that's just right for you. That treatment often includes a rescue inhaler and a controller inhaler. Rescue inhalers provide quick, short-term relief during asthma attacks. Controller inhalers are used daily to proactively manage symptoms.
In addition to inhalers, you and your health care provider will work together to create a personalized asthma action plan. An asthma action plan includes information about your medications and triggers. It also includes a color-coded system that explains when to use your asthma medication and the appropriate amount based on your symptoms.
Asthma Prevention
While asthma can't be directly prevented, you can reduce your exposure to common triggers and decrease the likelihood of asthma attacks.
The best way to prevent asthma is to avoid exposure to smoke, chemicals and irritants; keep your house and bedding clean and free of dust and pet dander; close windows when the pollen count is high; keep current on vaccinations for respiratory illnesses; and take asthma medication as prescribed.
Our Providers
Meet our providers and find the one for you. Use the filters to narrow your search.