Asthma Fact Sheet
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that affects your lungs.
Many people have asthma, especially children. If you have
asthma, the lung airways are inflamed (swollen) and sensitive,
and they tend to react strongly to allergic or irritant particles in
the air that you breathe.
You cannot “catch” asthma from someone else. Experts still don’t know exactly what causes asthma or
how to prevent people from getting asthma. Infants, children and adults of all ages can get asthma. You have a
higher risk of having asthma if someone in your family has asthma or if you have other allergic conditions such as
hay fever or eczema. Asthma symptoms may come and go over time, but many children and young adults do not
“outgrow” the condition.
What is An Asthma Attack?
During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten up. The airway lining gets more swollen
and there is increased mucus in the airways. These changes cause less air to flow through your lungs and
make it harder to breathe. Asthma attacks may also make it difficult to participate in your usual activities,
such as work or school. Severe asthma attacks may require you to go the emergency room, stay in the
hospital, or even result in death.
What Are Symptoms of Asthma?
The most common symptoms of asthma are:
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Cough
Chest tightness
Rapid breathing
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Shortness of breath
Wheezing (a “whistling” sound when you breathe)
Asthma symptoms may change from day to day and are often worse at night, early in the morning, or
with exercise.
What Are Asthma Triggers?
Asthma symptoms can be triggered (caused) by many different things. Not everyone has the same triggers
and your asthma triggers can change over time. The most common triggers are:
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Allergens (such as pollen, mold, animal dander,
house dust mite, or cockroaches)
Cold and flu viruses
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Irritants (such as secondhand smoke, strong
odors, perfumes, “air fresheners” or air pollution)
Exposures at work to vapors, chemicals, or dust
Your doctor can help you to identify your individual asthma triggers and tell you how to reduce your
exposures and prevent asthma attacks. More information about steps to reduce asthma triggers can be found
at: www.epa.gov/asthma/triggers.html.
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What Can I Do About My Asthma?
There is no cure for asthma, but asthma can be controlled and attacks can be prevented. Doctors usually
prescribe two types of inhaled medications for asthma:
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Quick-relief medicines relax (open) the airways during an asthma attack and are also used to
prevent exercise induced asthma. Inhaled albuterol is a quick relief medicine.
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Long-term control medicines are used daily to reduce airway inflammation and to prevent asthma
attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids are long-term control medicines.
Sometimes oral medications are also prescribed. The medications used to control asthma are safe and
effective when used as recommended by your doctor. With good asthma control, people with asthma can
participate fully in sports or other physical activities.
10 Key Tips for Controlling and Self-Managing Your Asthma
1. Plan to see your doctor for an asthma appointment - at least every 6 months, even if you think your
asthma is under control.
2. Know when and how to correctly use your asthma medicines, especially your metered dose inhaler.
3. Always use a holding chamber (or spacer) with your metered dose inhaler.
4. Make sure you always have access to your asthma medicines, especially quick-relief inhalers.
5. Get a written asthma action plan from your doctor. Make sure you understand it and have it
updated at least every year.
6. Know what triggers your asthma and how to avoid your triggers.
7. Ask your doctor about tests to determine if you have allergies to specific triggers.
8. Always avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
9. Ask your doctor about testing your lung function (spirometry) at least every 1-2 years.
10. Be sure you get a flu shot (vaccine) every year (available in the fall season).
What’s An Asthma Action Plan?
An asthma action plan (also known as asthma management plan) is a tool to help you check and manage
your asthma. Your doctor should complete an action plan for you. It should be updated at least every
year and whenever there is a change in medication.
A copy should be kept at home and in places where you go, including child care, school, after-school
activities, and work. If you don’t have an action plan, ask your doctor to complete one for you.
What Should I Expect if My Asthma is Well Controlled?
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No frequent asthma symptoms - day or night
No asthma attacks
No missed activities
Minimal use of quick-relief medicines
Minimal medicine side-effects
No urgent visits, emergency visits, or hospitalizations