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What is asthma?

Asthma is a common disease that affects the lungs. It causes the airways inside the lungs to become very sensitive to certain particles that enter the lungs during normal breathing.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What causes asthma?

The triggers for asthma can vary from person to person and can depend on what type of asthma you have. Some of these triggers include: Airborne allergens such as pollen, pet hair and dust mites; Food allergens such as peanuts, eggs or dairy; Infections such as the …

Who gets asthma?

There are some factors that can increase your chance of developing asthma. These include: A family history of asthma; A past history of allergic skin conditions (eczema) or hay fever; Obesity; Passive and active smoking; Having a mother who smoked during …

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The main symptoms of asthma are episodes of wheezing, feeling out of breath, tightness in the chest and coughing. Some people with asthma may not experience very severe symptoms, but for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily …

Is asthma contagious?

No, asthma is not contagious.

How is asthma diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects that you have asthma, they will assess your medical history, perform a physical examination and carry out breathing tests to measure your lung function. The types of breathing tests include spirometry, a commonly used test that measures the …

How is asthma controlled?

Asthma is controlled with medications and by avoiding asthma triggers. Two types of medications are commonly used to treat asthma: Fast-relief medication (rescue medication) acts quickly to open up the airways and make breathing easier during an asthma attack. …

Can asthma medication be taken during pregnancy?

Most asthma medications are safe to take during pregnancy. It is very important that pregnant women have very good control of their asthma to ensure the best possible health for themselves and their baby. If the mother has an asthma attack, …

What is an Asthma Action Plan?

An Asthma Action Plan is a written plan that is used to help people manage their asthma. The plan is generally developed together with a doctor and contains individualized information about preventing asthma attacks, recognizing early warning signs of an …

What is a peak-flow test?

A peak-flow test, a simple test that measures how fast you breathe out, is used to help diagnose asthma and evaluate your response to treatment. It involves blowing into a small plastic tube, which then produces a measurement of lung function and enables diagnosis …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

How to use an asthma spacer

A step-by-step guide to using an asthma inhaler: 1. Put the spacer together as directed by the instructions; 2. Remove the cap on the puffer; 3. After shaking the puffer, insert it into the end of the spacer; 4. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it. Ensure there are no gaps around the mouthpiece. For young children, place the mask to cover your child's nose and mou…
Diseases & conditions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, covers conditions affecting the lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main conditions, usually caused by smoking. Medications and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.…
Diseases & conditions

Cough

Coughing is your body's way of getting rid of any foreign material or mucus in your lungs. Coughing can be a response to breathing in dust or fumes that irritate the nerve endings in the airways, or can be a symptom of a medical problem, such as a lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus, or a long-term lung disease such as asthma.…
Diseases & conditions

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung disease in which the airways (bronchi) become damaged and scarred by repeated lung infections. It can cause a build-up of mucus in the airways, leading to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.…
Diseases & conditions

Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term that covers a large group of medical conditions in which damage to and scarring of lung tissue leads to long-term breathing difficulties. Causes are varied, but include smoking, radiation therapy, exposure to allergens and irritants and connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.…
Diseases & conditions

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a very severe form of allergic reaction. Immediate and life-threatening symptoms, including breathing difficulties, can be the result of exposure to an allergen, such as peanuts or eggs. Anaphylaxis is a serious medical condition, but prompt treatment can save lives.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 17 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 395 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: How to use an asthma spacer

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