A chronic condition that narrows and inflames the airways, causing episodes of wheezing, coughing and breathlessness.
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making breathing difficult during flare-ups. It varies enormously between individuals — some people have mild, infrequent symptoms, while others need daily medication to keep their airways open and stable.
Asthma often has a genetic component and commonly appears alongside other allergic conditions. Flare-ups are usually triggered by something specific — dust, smoke, cold air, exercise, or a respiratory infection — and identifying a person's personal triggers is often the key to keeping symptoms under control.
Treatment typically involves a combination of a reliever inhaler for quick relief during flare-ups and, for many people, a daily preventer inhaler that reduces airway inflammation over time. Having a written action plan for what to do as symptoms escalate helps prevent a manageable flare-up from becoming an emergency.
Seek urgent care if: an inhaler gives little relief or breathlessness is severe — this needs same-day attention.
