Inflamed airways and personal triggers & Wheezing, cough, and attacks
Lesson 1 · 5 min
Based on MedlinePlus en español — Asthma. Original educational summary, read by a medical doctor and confirmed reliable, pending formal approval. Not medical advice.
Learning objectives
- Explain inflamed airways and personal triggers.
- Explain wheezing, cough, and attacks.
Inflamed airways and personal triggers
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways carrying air into and out of the lungs. Inflammation and narrowing can make breathing difficult. Genetic and environmental influences likely contribute, and triggers vary between people. Dust mites, pollen, mold, pets, smoke, cold air, respiratory infections, chemicals, or exercise may provoke symptoms. Identifying a personal trigger is more informative than assuming the same trigger affects everyone. Common symptoms include tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, cough, and wheezing during exhalation.
Wheezing, cough, and attacks
Common symptoms include tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, cough, and wheezing during exhalation. Cough may be worse at night or early morning. Symptoms can occur daily or intermittently and vary in severity. During an attack they become much worse, suddenly or gradually. Some attacks are life-threatening. Repeated attacks may mean the treatment plan needs assessment rather than being accepted as unavoidable. Assessment combines history, examination, and lung-function tests.
Key concepts
- Inflamed airways and personal triggers
- Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways carrying air into and out of the lungs.
- Wheezing, cough, and attacks
- Common symptoms include tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, cough, and wheezing during exhalation.
- Spirometry and airway assessment
- Assessment combines history, examination, and lung-function tests.
- Quick relief and regular control
- A plan addresses personal triggers and medicines chosen with a professional.