asthma risks and benefits for patients

Overview

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in your lungs. The airways become inflamed (swollen) and narrow, making it harder to breathe. This can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Treatment helps control the swelling and keeps airways open.

Yes, asthma is very common. It affects millions of people worldwide, including both children and adults.

Asthma can start at any age. It often begins in childhood, but some people develop it as adults. It affects people of all races and backgrounds. It may run in families, especially if you have allergies or eczema.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing – a whistling sound when you breathe
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Coughing, especially at night, early morning, or during exercise

Symptoms in children

• Frequent coughing, especially while playing or laughing
• Wheezing sounds
• Tiring quickly during physical activity
• Trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing

Symptoms in older adults

• More shortness of breath with activity
• Cough that doesn't go away
• Feeling very tired
• Symptoms that get worse with colds or flu

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it involves a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
• Your body's immune system overreacts to certain 'triggers', causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Risk factors

• Family history of asthma or allergies (like hay fever or eczema)
• Having allergic conditions yourself
• Exposure to tobacco smoke as a child or adult
• Air pollution or chemical irritants at work
• Viral respiratory infections in early childhood
• Being overweight or obese

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chest pain, severe breathlessness, or feel your asthma is out of control – call your local emergency number or go to the emergency room.
• If you need to use your reliever inhaler more than every 4 hours, seek same-day medical help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are using a reliever inhaler two or more times a week, see your doctor to review your asthma action plan.
• If you are newly experiencing symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
• If your symptoms are interfering with daily activities, sleep, or exercise.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, triggers, and family history. They will listen to your lungs and may perform tests to see how well you breathe. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a spirometry test that measures how much air you can exhale and how fast.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry – blowing into a device that measures lung function
• Peak flow measurement – a small handheld device to check how fast you can blow out air
• Bronchial challenge test – for when diagnosis is unclear, breathing in a substance to see if airways narrow
• Allergy tests – to identify triggers like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosis usually takes one or two visits. You may be asked to use a peak flow meter at home for a few weeks. Once diagnosed, your doctor will help you create an asthma action plan – a written guide for managing your condition daily and during flare-ups.

Treatment

Asthma treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing symptoms. Most people use two types of inhalers: a daily ‘preventer’ inhaler (usually a corticosteroid) to keep airways calm, and a ‘reliever’ inhaler (quick-acting) for immediate relief of symptoms. The best treatment plan is personal to you.

Self-care at home

• Learn and avoid your asthma triggers (e.g., smoke, dust, pollen, pets, cold air, certain medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen – but always check with your doctor)
• Use your inhalers exactly as prescribed – never skip your preventer
• Keep an asthma diary to track symptoms and peak flow readings
• Get the yearly flu vaccine (and other vaccines as recommended by your doctor)
• Stay active – regular physical activity can strengthen your lungs

Medical treatments

Treatment is usually with inhalers. Your doctor may prescribe a preventer inhaler (containing a corticosteroid) to use daily, and a reliever inhaler (a bronchodilator) for quick symptom relief. For more severe asthma, additional treatments like combinations of inhalers, tablets, or biologic injections that target specific immune pathways may be considered. These are all prescribed on an individual basis. Always follow your asthma action plan and discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for asthma itself. However, in very rare cases of severe, hard-to-control asthma, a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty (using heat to reduce airway muscle thickness) may be an option. This is only considered after other treatments have failed.

Living with this condition

Living with asthma means managing it daily. Follow your asthma action plan, take your medicines as prescribed, and keep an eye on your symptoms. Use your peak flow meter if your doctor recommends it. Be prepared – always carry your reliever inhaler with you, especially when traveling or exercising.

Lifestyle tips

• Create a trigger-free home: reduce dust, avoid smoking, use allergen-proof covers on bedding
• Exercise regularly – talk to your doctor about how to warm up and use your inhaler before activity if needed
• Manage stress – stress can worsen asthma, so find healthy ways to relax
• Get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise are good for your overall health and can help with asthma. There is no special ‘asthma diet’, but eating well supports your immune system. During exercise, warm up slowly and consider using your reliever inhaler beforehand if your doctor advises it. If cold air triggers your asthma, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic condition like asthma can sometimes cause stress, anxiety, or depression. It is common to worry about flare-ups. Talk to your doctor if you feel overwhelmed. Remember, you are not alone – contact a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. For immediate mental health crisis, call a crisis helpline in your country.

Prevention

Asthma cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the risk of symptoms and attacks by avoiding triggers and following your treatment plan. In children, avoiding tobacco smoke during pregnancy and early life may lower the risk. Breastfeeding may also help reduce the chance of developing asthma early in life.

Vaccines

Getting recommended vaccines, such as the annual flu vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine (if your doctor recommends it), can help prevent respiratory infections that often trigger asthma attacks. Speak to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for asthma in people without symptoms is not usually recommended. However, if you have a family history or symptoms like chronic cough or wheezing, speak to your doctor. If you work in an environment with lung irritants (e.g., dust, chemicals), your employer may offer health monitoring.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent and severe asthma attacks that may require emergency hospital care
• Long-term damage to the airways, leading to poor lung function
• Time off school or work due to symptoms
• Sleep deprivation from nighttime coughing
• In very rare and severe cases, life-threatening breathing failure

Long-term outlook

For most people, asthma can be well controlled with proper treatment and management. Many people with asthma lead very active, healthy lives – including athletes, artists, and professionals of all kinds. By working with your doctor, learning your triggers, and following your asthma action plan, you can keep your symptoms in check and enjoy a good quality of life.

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