What is Asthma?
Who is affected by asthma?
Who is affected by asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe.
Who is affected by asthma?
Who is affected by asthma?
Who is affected by asthma?
Asthma affects people of all ages. In 2019, an estimated 262 million individuals worldwide were affected by asthma, which caused approximately 455,000 deaths.
symptoms
Types of Asthma
Types of Asthma
Asthma symptoms can look different for everyone. Common symptoms include:
- A constant cough, especially at night
- Wheezing when breathing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sometimes even when resting
- Chest tightness, making it difficult to breathe deeply.
Types of Asthma
Types of Asthma
Types of Asthma
The signs of asthma can vary, with common symptoms such as:
- Exercise-induced asthma: May worsen when the air is cold and dry
- Occupational asthma: Triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases, or dust
- Allergy-induced asthma: Triggered by airborne substances such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or pet dander (particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets)
Detecting Asthma
Living well with asthma
Living well with asthma
Asthma can be detected by observing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Doctors may review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and use lung function tests like spirometry or a peak flow meter. Allergy tests and monitoring symptoms over time can also help identify triggers and confirm a diagnosis. Early detection is key to managing asthma and preventing severe attacks.
Notice symptoms? Get tested early, knowing your asthma status is the first step to better control and breathing easier.
Living well with asthma
Living well with asthma
Living well with asthma
- Know Your Triggers: Track what worsens your asthma, like pollen, mold, dust, smoke, or strong scents.
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: Take medications as prescribed and keep your asthma action plan handy.
- Control Your Environment: Keep your home clean, dry, and well-ventilated to reduce triggers.
- Stay Active Safely: Exercise with caution and carry your inhaler during outdoor activities.
- Regular Check-Ups: See a healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and adjust treatment if needed.
Myths about asthma
Living well with asthma
Myths about asthma
Myth: Asthma is contagious.
Fact: Asthma cannot be caught from someone else; it is not contagious.
Myth: People with asthma shouldn’t exercise.
Fact: Exercise is healthy and often encouraged, with proper precautions and medication if needed.
Myth: Only children get asthma.
Fact: Asthma can affect people of all ages, and many adults are diagnosed for the first time later in life.