Asthma Symptoms and Triggers

Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. All of the causes of asthma are unknown, but we do know that genetics, and environmental and occupational factors have been linked to developing asthma.

If someone in your immediate family has asthma, you are more likely to have it. Exposure to things in the environment like mold, dust mites, and secondhand tobacco smoke has been linked to developing asthma. Also, air pollution and viral lung infections may lead to asthma.

When an asthma attack occurs the sides of the airways in your lungs swell and the airways shrink. This causes less air to get in and out of your lungs which causes coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing.

An asthma attack can occur when you are exposed to asthma triggers. Asthma triggers vary from person to person. Some of the most common triggers are tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, pets, mold, smoke from burning wood or grass, and certain infections like the flu. It is very important for individuals with asthma to know their triggers and learn how to avoid them.

Please speak with your healthcare provider to learn how to control your asthma.

Tags: asthma, asthma attack, facts, inhalers, lungs, secondhand smoke, smoking, symptoms, triggers