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.
Asthma
Asthma, or reactive airway disease, is a chronic disorder that results in restricted breathing due to inflammation of the bronchial tubes the main air passages in the lungs.
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 Health: Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Bel Air
12 MedStar Blvd 2nd Floor Bel Air, MD 21015
MedStar Health: Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at McLean
1420 Beverly Rd. Ste. 205 McLean, VA 22101
MedStar Health: Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Russell Morgan Building Ste. 500 Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Health: Pulmonology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. N.W. Pasquerilla Healthcare Center 5th Floor Washington, D.C., 20007
MedStar Health: Pulmonology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St., NW Room 1A-50B Washington, D.C., 20010
202-877-7318
MedStar Health: Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9103 Franklin Square Drive Weinberg Building Ste. 300 Baltimore, MD 21237