What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways, making it harder to breathe at times.

During an asthma episode, the airways become narrow, which can reduce normal airflow (inhaling and exhaling normally).

Main Asthma Symptoms

Coughing
Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
Shortness of breath

how airways become narrow

Inflammation

Caused by an infection, allergen, or other triggers

The airways swell and produce thick, sticky mucus, making breathing more difficult

Hyperactivity (Hyperresponsiveness)

The muscles around the airways tighten, usually in response to an irritant like smoke, cold air, or allergens

The sudden airway constriction is called bronchospasm

People with asthma experience recurrent asthma attacks, which are short periods when symptoms get worse.

Asthma attacks

Can be mild or life-threatening
Can develop slowly or very quickly
Can be triggered by many different factors (cold, exercise, allergies, infections…)

Types of Asthma

Asthma is grouped into 3 main types.

Allergic Asthma

Attacks are triggered by allergens, like:

Pollen (seasonal allergies)
Fragrances (perfumes or cleaning products)
Dust
Mold
Mice or cockroaches
Pets

Non-Allergic Asthma

Attacks happen due to triggers that are not allergens, such as:

Exercise
Occupational/work-related irritants (e.g., chemicals, fumes)
Tobacco smoke or air pollutants
Cold air and sudden weather changes
Respiratory infections (e.g., flu, COVID-19, RSV)
Acid reflux
Strong emotions (e.g, anxiety, or stress)
Posture-related issues (e.g., reflux, sinus problems)
Nighttime asthma (when asthma symptoms worsen due to changes in lung function and inflammatory mediator release during sleep)

Mix of Allergic and Non-Allergic Asthma

People with this type experience attacks triggered by both, allergens and non-allergic factors.

Differences by Age

Children are more likely to have asthma attacks triggered by infections.
Teens and adults often experience asthma due to allergens or other non-infectious triggers like exercise, air pollution, or emotions.
More boys than girls have asthma in childhood, but during puberty asthma becomes more common in girls than in boys.
Children and teens often manage their asthma with quick-relief medication when needed, while adults are more likely to require daily long-term reliever medication.

How Asthma Can Affect Your Health

Asthma

is a chronic disease, which means it can last for a long time or even a lifetime.
can be well managed, allowing most people to live a normal and active life.
if well managed, comes with only occasional and brief interruptions due to asthma attacks or asthma-related symptoms.
might change over the years, and some may experience fewer or no asthma attacks as they grow older.
if poorly managed, can lead to permanent lung damage and serious health complications.

Regardless of the type of asthma or when it starts, good asthma management is essential.

Why It Can Become Dangerous

Asthma ranks as the third most common cause of hospitalization among children and adolescents under 15. Why can people still die from asthma?

In most cases, asthma-related deaths happen because the condition was not managed properly. The key to preventing severe asthma attacks is education and preparedness:

Knowing how to recognize symptoms and respond quickly
Following an asthma action plan
Using medications correctly
Seeking emergency help (911) when necessary

If you are well educated and able to manage your asthma, you don’t have to be afraid – almost all asthma-related deaths could be prevented with proper asthma management and timely medical care!