Asthma is caused by inflammation (swelling) in the airways. When an attack occurs, the lining of the air passages swells and the muscles surrounding the airways become tight. This reduces the amount of air that can pass through the airway.
In persons who have sensitive airways, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens or triggers.
Causes
Common asthma triggers include:
- Animals
- Dust mites
- Certain medicines (aspirin and other NSAIDs)
- Changes in weather
- Chemicals in the air or in food
- Exercise
- Mold
- Pollen
- Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
- Strong emotions such as stress
- Tobacco smoke
Many people with asthma have a personal or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or eczema.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Cough with or without mucus
- Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing (intercostal retractions)
- Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity
- Wheezing
Emergency symptoms that need prompt medical help:
- Bluish color to the lips and face
- Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack
- Extreme difficulty breathing
- Rapid pulse
- Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
- Sweating
Other symptoms that may occur:
- Abnormal breathing pattern—breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in
- Breathing temporarily stops
- Chest pain
- Tightness in the chest
Tests
Tests that may be ordered include:
- Allergy testing—skin or a blood test to see if a person with asthma is allergic to certain substances
- Arterial blood gas (usually only done with patients who are having a severe asthma attack)
- Chest x-ray
- Lung function tests, including peak flow measurements
Treatment
Our doctors work with patients as a team to manage asthma. Patients should follow their instructions on taking medicines, eliminating asthma triggers, and monitoring symptoms.
There are two kinds of medicines for treating asthma:
- Control medicines to help prevent attacks
- Quick-relief (rescue) medicines for use during attacks
Our providers
Expert pulmonary care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our pulmonologists.
Our locations
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MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9103 Franklin Square Dr. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Cancer Institute Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9000 Franklin Square Dr. Baltimore, MD 21237