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Asthma is a long-term lung condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrow, causing recurring breathing problems. It can be controlled with the right treatment. Symptoms: Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough, often worse at night, with exercise, cold air or triggers. See a doctor to confirm asthma and set up controller treatment. Get urgent help if a reliever inhaler is not working or you cannot speak in full sentences. generated by SI from cited sources · general information, not a diagnosis · consult a health professional

Sources: World Health Organization · World Health Organization · CDC · MedlinePlus (NLM) · MedlinePlus (NLM) · SI, NLM MedlinePlus, CDC, WHO (paraphrased)

What it is

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease. It affects your airways, the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. When you have asthma, your airways can become inflamed and narrowed.

Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus, CDC, WHO (paraphrased) · Reference · https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html; https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/; https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma; https://www.mayoclinic.org/search/search-results?q=Asthma; Guideline: GINA 2024 (bronchodilator reversibility >12% and >200 mL); https://edcd.gov.np

Symptoms

Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough, often worse at night or early morning.

Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus, CDC, WHO (paraphrased) · Reference · https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html; https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/; https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma; https://www.mayoclinic.org/search/search-results?q=Asthma; Guideline: GINA 2024 (bronchodilator reversibility >12% and >200 mL); https://edcd.gov.np

Causes

Long-term inflammation of the airways; triggers include dust, smoke, pollen, cold air, infections and exercise.

Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus, CDC, WHO (paraphrased) · Reference · https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html; https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/; https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma; https://www.mayoclinic.org/search/search-results?q=Asthma; Guideline: GINA 2024 (bronchodilator reversibility >12% and >200 mL); https://edcd.gov.np

When to seek care

EMERGENCY, go now: too breathless to speak, lips turning blue, reliever inhaler not helping, drowsiness. See a clinician if symptoms are frequent or wake you at night.

Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus, CDC, WHO (paraphrased) · Reference · https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html; https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/; https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma; https://www.mayoclinic.org/search/search-results?q=Asthma; Guideline: GINA 2024 (bronchodilator reversibility >12% and >200 mL); https://edcd.gov.np