Respiratory conditions like asthma involve inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing.
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Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Respiratory Conditions Like Asthma FAQ


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What is asthma & how does it affect a person?

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time.

Can asthma be a symptom of other health conditions?

Because other health conditions may appear to be asthma and mimic asthma symptoms, your doctor will do a thorough exam and run any necessary tests to be sure your symptoms are due to asthma. Sinusitis: Also called a sinus infection; an inflammation or swelling of the sinuses. Sinusitis and asthma often coexist.

Can asthma cause breathing problems?

Some people with severe asthma may have breathing problems most of the time. Many things can cause these symptoms, but they're more likely to be asthma if they: seem to happen in response to an asthma trigger like exercise or an allergy (such as to pollen or animals)

What is asthma & how does it affect your lungs?

Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel. Asthma is a lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of your lungs. Asthma is chronic, so you live with it every day. Understand what asthma is and how it affects your lungs and airways.

Why is it hard to breathe if you have asthma?

Asthma causes your airways to tighten, become inflamed (swell), and become overreactive. This makes it hard to breathe. It’s a common chronic (long-term) disease that affects more than 27 million people in the United States. Common symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

Can asthma cause shortness of breath?

With asthma, you may experience shortness of breath. The tightened muscles around your airways cause them to narrow. This makes it more difficult to take in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Asthma primarily affects your lungs.

Respiratory Conditions Like Asthma References

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