Asthma

About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These episodes are triggered by allergens dust mites, pollen, pet dander, irritants tobacco smoke, air pollution, respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, and stress. Asthma affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. The prevalence has been increasing, particularly in developed countries, possibly due to the hygiene hypothesis. Asthma is diagnosed through spirometry measuring FEV1 and FVC, peak flow monitoring, and methacholine challenge. Management uses two categories of medication: quick relief bronchodilators short acting beta agonists like albuterol and long term controllers inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and long acting beta agonists. Biologic therapies including omalizumab and mepolizumab target specific inflammatory pathways in severe asthma. With appropriate management most people with asthma live normal lives. A severe attack, with breathlessness that makes speaking difficult, bluish lips, or no relief from a reliever inhaler, is a medical emergency; call your local emergency number.