What is asthma? Asthma is a recurring health condition that affects your body's ability to move air in and out of your lungs. Asthma triggers are anything that cause irritation to the airways, such as pollen, smoke, or dust. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing and difficulty breathing. Anyone with possible asthma symptoms should see their doctor. Asthma can be well controlled with medications.

• Cold air
• Exercise
• Dust mites
• Smoke
• Pollen
• Catching a cold.

 

In a person with asthma, these triggers will cause the airway to respond in two ways: swelling and mucus production. When the airways swell up, they become narrow and breathing is difficult. The extra mucus clogs the airways, causing further difficulty with breathing.

• Cough
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Difficulty breathing
• Mucus production.

 

When a person with asthma has an asthma attack, the symptoms get worse and may also include anxiety (due to the difficulty breathing), use of the neck and chest muscles to breathe, and difficulty speaking.

• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• A bluish color to the skin (called cyanosis).

 

These warning signs suggest that a person is not getting enough oxygen to the lungs. In this case, seek medical assistance immediately.