When it comes to managing your asthma, a strong partnership with your doctor can go a long way.
Only emotional people get asthma.
Asthma is the result of inflammation in your lungs.
Although sometimes emotional behaviors like laughing or crying can bring on asthma symptoms in some patients, being emotional is not the cause of asthma. Learn more about a treatment option.
Asthma basics
Asthma is a chronic disease — that means, once you have it, you'll most likely have it for life. It's not your fault.
Asthma affects the airways of the lungs and causes them to become swollen and irritated. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be treated. That's important. If asthma is not managed, symptoms can worsen and lead to limitations on your activities, missed days of work, and future asthma episodes — even if your asthma is mild.
Avoiding common asthma triggers
Not everyone reacts the same way to the same asthma triggers. Although it may be difficult to completely avoid them, here are some ways to help manage common asthma triggers:
Animal dander
Exposure to dried flakes of skin from pets with fur or feathers can be reduced by keeping family pets out of bedrooms or other sleeping areas in the house.
Cockroaches
Cockroach remains and droppings can be reduced by keeping food and garbage in closed containers.
Cold air
Try keeping your mouth and nose covered with a scarf on cold or windy days.
Dust mites
When you travel, take your own pillow or a plastic pillow cover to help protect against dust mites. You should try to wash children's stuffed toys regularly.
Gas stoves and appliances
Gas stoves and other appliances, such as space heaters, can cause asthma symptoms if they are not properly vented to the outside.
Mold
Indoor mold tends to grow in damp or humid spaces, so using a dehumidifier can help control mold in your home. Car air conditioners can have mold too. Before a long trip, or even when carpooling, open the windows and run your system for 10 minutes.
Pollution
Air pollution can increase the swelling in your airways, so it's a good idea to avoid outdoor exercise or activities on days when air-pollution levels are high.
Respiratory infections
It may surprise you, but respiratory infections such as colds, flu — even sore throats — are the number one asthma trigger in young children. So remind your child to wash his or her hands often.
Scented cleaning solutions
When you think of household cleaners, you usually do not think about fragrances. The truth is some cleaning solutions do contain fragrance, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Check the labels for any fragrances that may be added. If the housekeeping staff at work or school uses scented cleaners, ask if they could switch to unscented products.
Sulfites
A type of preservative found in some beverages and snacks, such as dried fruit and wine, could trigger symptoms. Try to avoid consuming these foods. When eating out, ask your waiter if your meal can be prepared without these additives.
Tobacco smoke
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can increase asthma symptoms in adults and children. Nonsmoking adults with asthma should try to avoid secondhand smoke at work or while traveling; these are common settings for exposure. Children with asthma are at greater risk of asthma symptoms if anyone in the household smokes.
What do asthma symptoms feel like?
Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person. However, the most common asthma symptoms are:
Wheezing
You hear a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
Chest tightness
It can feel as if someone is sitting on you or squeezing your chest.
Shortness of breath
You feel like you can’t catch your breath or are out of breath. You may even feel as if you can’t get enough air out of your lungs, like you are breathing through a straw.
Coughing
Symptoms are often worse at night or in the early morning. This may be one of many symptoms or it can occur on its own.
If you’re using a rescue inhaler more than 2 times a week to treat these asthma symptoms, it can be a sign your asthma is not under control. Talk to your doctor about whether a daily controller medicine to help prevent symptoms should be a part of your Asthma Action Plan.
Wheezing
