Asthma
Well-controlled asthma should feel like not having asthma at all.
Asthma is chronic airway inflammation causing intermittent wheeze, cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness. Modern inhaler-based therapy controls almost all asthma. Poor control usually reflects under-treatment or poor inhaler technique.
Causes & risk factors
- Genetic predisposition
- Allergens (dust mites, pets, pollen)
- Air pollution and tobacco smoke
- Viral infections in childhood
- Occupational exposures
Symptoms
- Wheeze, especially on exhale
- Cough, often worse at night
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath with exertion or allergens
- Symptoms responsive to bronchodilator
How it's diagnosed
- Spirometry showing reversible airway obstruction
- Peak flow variability over 2 weeks
- Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
- Trial of inhaled corticosteroid with response
Evidence-based treatment
- ICS-formoterol as-needed for mild asthma
- Daily ICS + rescue inhaler for moderate
- LABA + ICS combinations for step-up
- Biologics (omalizumab, dupilumab) for severe
- Inhaler technique training every visit
Prevention
- Avoid known triggers
- Annual flu vaccination
- Quit smoking, avoid secondhand smoke
- Action plan for exacerbations
Who treats this?
Related symptoms
Asthma — FAQ
Can asthma go away?
Childhood asthma often remits in adolescence but can return in adulthood. Adult-onset asthma is usually lifelong but fully controllable.
Other conditions
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)Type 2 DiabetesMigraineHypothyroidismAcid Reflux (GERD)DepressionEczema (Atopic Dermatitis)PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)Anxiety DisordersUrinary Tract Infection (UTI)ArthritisHigh Cholesterol (Dyslipidaemia)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)Anaemia (Iron Deficiency)Back Pain (Chronic)Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
This page is general information, not medical advice for any specific person. For diagnosis and treatment, book a consultation.