Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in your lungs. The airways become inflamed, swollen, and more sensitive than usual. When exposed to certain triggers, the muscles around the airways tighten, the lining swells, and extra mucus is produced. This can make it difficult for air to move in and out of your lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Asthma can affect people of all ages and may range from mild to severe. Although there is no cure, asthma can usually be managed with medications, avoiding triggers, and following an asthma action plan. With proper treatment, most people with asthma can live active, healthy lives.
Asthma – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html
Provides easy-to-understand information about asthma, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and prevention.
Asthma – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
Explains what asthma is, common symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in the United States. More than 27 million Americans, including both children and adults, have asthma. Many people successfully manage their asthma with medications and healthy lifestyle habits.
Asthma Data & Statistics – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/
Provides current statistics about asthma and its impact in the United States.
Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person and may come and go. Some people only experience symptoms during exercise or when exposed to specific triggers, while others have symptoms more often.
Common symptoms may include:
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, family history, and perform a physical examination. They may ask about when your symptoms occur, possible triggers, and whether symptoms improve with asthma medications.
Breathing tests are commonly used to help confirm asthma and determine how well your lungs are working.
Diagnosing Asthma – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
Explains how asthma is diagnosed and the tests your healthcare provider may recommend.
The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with asthma have airways that are more sensitive and react to certain triggers by becoming inflamed and narrowed.
Common risk factors include:
Asthma Causes and Risk Factors – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
Learn about the causes of asthma, common risk factors, and why asthma develops.
Certain triggers can cause asthma symptoms or increase the likelihood of an asthma attack. Learning your personal triggers can help you better manage your asthma.
Common triggers include:
Asthma Triggers – American Lung Association
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma
Provides practical information about common asthma triggers and ways to reduce exposure.
Although asthma cannot always be prevented, managing your triggers and following your treatment plan can greatly reduce symptoms and lower your risk of asthma attacks.
Helpful prevention tips include:
Asthma Management Guidelines – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
Provides recommendations for preventing asthma symptoms and maintaining long-term asthma control.
Most people with asthma do not need routine blood tests. Laboratory testing may be recommended if your healthcare provider is evaluating allergies, inflammation, or another condition that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Common laboratory tests may include:
Asthma Tests – American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public
Provides information about allergy testing and laboratory tests that may help evaluate asthma.
Several tests may help confirm an asthma diagnosis and evaluate how well your lungs are working.
Common diagnostic tests include:
Pulmonary Function Tests – American Lung Association
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/lung-function-tests
Explains common breathing tests used to diagnose asthma and other lung conditions.
Asthma treatment focuses on preventing symptoms, reducing airway inflammation, and helping you breathe normally. Most people achieve good asthma control by taking medications as prescribed and avoiding known triggers.
Treatment options may include:
Asthma Treatment – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
Provides information about asthma medications, treatment plans, and long-term management.
Healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce asthma symptoms and lower your risk of asthma attacks. Avoiding triggers and taking medications consistently are important parts of asthma management.
Helpful lifestyle changes include:
Living With Asthma – American Lung Association
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/living-with-asthma
Provides practical tips for managing asthma at home and staying healthy.
Asthma medications help prevent symptoms, reduce airway inflammation, and quickly relieve breathing problems during an asthma attack. Your healthcare provider will recommend medications based on how often your symptoms occur and how severe your asthma is.
Common medications include:
Albuterol – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682145.html
Explains how albuterol works, how to use it correctly, and possible side effects.
Asthma Medicines – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
Provides information about the different medications used to treat asthma and how they work.
Most people with asthma do not need surgery or an invasive procedure. However, if asthma is severe or difficult to control despite medications, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments to help improve your symptoms.
Common procedures and advanced treatments may include:
Bronchial Thermoplasty – American Lung Association
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/bronchial-thermoplasty
Learn about bronchial thermoplasty, who may benefit from the procedure, and what to expect.
Asthma is a long-term condition, but many people successfully manage it and live active, healthy lives. Following your asthma action plan, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding known triggers can help reduce symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
Regular follow-up appointments allow your healthcare provider to monitor your asthma, adjust medications when needed, and help keep your symptoms under good control.
Managing asthma at home is an important part of staying healthy and preventing flare-ups. Knowing your triggers and following your treatment plan can help reduce asthma symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Helpful tips include:
Living With Asthma – American Lung Association
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/living-with-asthma
Provides practical advice for managing asthma, preventing flare-ups, and living an active lifestyle.
Yes. Most people with asthma can safely exercise when their symptoms are well controlled. Your healthcare provider may recommend using your rescue inhaler before exercise if needed.
Some children may have fewer symptoms as they get older, but asthma can return later in life. Many adults continue to have asthma throughout their lives.
No. Asthma cannot be spread from one person to another.
Yes. Allergies are one of the most common asthma triggers. Managing your allergies may help improve asthma control.
If you need your rescue inhaler more often than recommended by your healthcare provider, it may be a sign that your asthma is not well controlled. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your treatment plan.
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
Many people with asthma receive care from their primary care provider. If your asthma is severe, difficult to control, or associated with allergies, your provider may recommend seeing a specialist.
You may be referred to:
Find an Allergist – American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)
https://acaai.org/find-an-allergist/
Locate a board-certified allergist and learn more about specialty asthma and allergy care.
There is currently no cure for asthma. However, many people are able to keep their symptoms well controlled through medications, avoiding triggers, and following their asthma treatment plan.
Some children may experience fewer symptoms as they get older, while many adults continue to manage asthma throughout their lives.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
Asthma Attack – American Lung Association
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/asthma-attack
Learn how to recognize an asthma attack and when emergency medical care is needed.
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
Asthma – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html
Patient-friendly information about asthma, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and prevention.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) – Asthma
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
Comprehensive information about asthma causes, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and living with asthma.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Asthma
https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/
Provides reliable information about asthma statistics, management, and public health recommendations.
American Lung Association – Asthma
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma
Evidence-based patient education about asthma, asthma attacks, medications, and healthy living.
This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare team regarding your individual health needs. Contact your healthcare provider if your asthma symptoms become more frequent, your medications are no longer working as expected, or you have concerns about your asthma management. Call 911 immediately if you experience signs of a severe asthma attack or another medical emergency.
At APNS, our providers take the time to understand your condition and your goals. We offer comprehensive telehealth visits at a fixed rate — no membership fees, no insurance required, and no unexpected charges. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for a provider who actually listens, we’re here to help.
