Understanding asthma: symptoms, triggers and treatments

Asthma can make it hard to breathe and often impacts daily activities like work and school to exercise and sleep. Learn about the signs of asthma, what triggers it and how to manage symptoms.

By Shabir Ahmed, MD, Family Medicine Resident, Nuvance Health Medical Practice, part of Northwell Health

Asthma is one of the most common diseases in the country. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), approximately 25 million people, or 1 in 12 people have asthma in the United States. If you or someone you know has asthma, you know how scary it can be to not catch your breath or worry about having an attack. 

Here’s what you need to know about asthma so you can prevent attacks and breathe well.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes swelling, narrowing and inflammation of the airways. It’s a lifelong condition that can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Common symptoms of asthma include a dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness or pressure. Not everyone experiences all these symptoms, and they can range from mild to severe.

Sometimes other health issues can mimic asthma. In children, conditions like cystic fibrosis, vocal cord dysfunction or bronchiectasis may cause similar symptoms. If you notice your child is breathing fast, coughing frequently or wheezing, you should bring them to their pediatrician to be screened for asthma. 

In adults, asthma may be confused with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even congestive heart failure. That’s why it’s important to be open about your symptoms with your primary care provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Related content: Still here: Living well with COPD, one breath and moment at a time

How is asthma diagnosed?

The most accurate test for diagnosing asthma is called spirometry, which measures how well your lungs work. Your primary care provider may also order a chest X-ray or lab tests to rule out other conditions.

If allergic asthma is suspected, you may have allergy testing or a fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) test. These tests help check for inflammation in your lungs and can guide treatment decisions.

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What triggers asthma?

An asthma attack can happen when you’re exposed to asthma triggers. Asthma can be triggered by many different things, which can include:

• Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
• Allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold or dust mites
• Cold, dry air or high humidity
• Air pollution from factories, cars or wildfire smoke
• Infections linked to flu, colds and RSV
• Acid reflux
• Exercise
• Irritants at work like dust, chemicals or fumes
• Cockroaches and other pests

Avoiding known triggers is one of the most effective ways to prevent symptoms.

Related content: How air quality affects lung health and what you can do

Can you prevent asthma symptoms?

While there’s no cure for asthma, there are many ways to manage it and reduce asthma attacks. Your primary care provider can help create an asthma action plan based on your specific needs.

To help keep asthma under control:

• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
• Use a scarf to cover your nose and mouth in cold weather
• Reduce exposure to allergens and irritants
• Take preventive medications as prescribed
• Stay up to date with flu and pneumonia vaccines

Related content: Top tips for keeping your lungs healthy

What are asthma treatment options?

Asthma treatment is based on how often you have symptoms and how severe they are. Your primary care provider will likely ask about what your symptoms are like during the day and at night, review your spirometry results and identify your triggers. 

This information helps them determine if your asthma is mild, moderate or severe, and whether it’s intermittent or persistent. 

Types of asthma medications

Asthma medications are mainly categorized into quick-relief (rescue) and long-term control (controller) medications. 

Quick-relief asthma medications 

These medications help provide immediate relief from asthma symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing during an asthma attack. 

Quick-relief medications include:

• Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs): These are the most common and help relax and open the airways.
• Anticholinergics: They can help relax and open up the airways and can be used in combination with SABAs or as an alternative.

• System corticosteroids: Are used for severe asthma attacks to reduce inflammation.

   

Long-term asthma control medications 

These medications are taken daily to help prevent asthma attacks and reduce inflammation in the airways.

Long-term control medications include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids: The most common controller medication that helps reduce inflammation in the airways
• Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs): These are most commonly used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids and can help keep the airways open for an extended period of time.
• Leukotriene modifiers: These can help block chemicals that cause airway inflammation.

Your healthcare provider will guide you through which medications are right for you and when to adjust your plan.

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The bottom line: Asthma can be managed at any age. With the right support, medication and action plans, you can live a full and active life. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, follow your treatment plan and avoid triggers as much as possible.