Asthma
It is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in your lungs. When you have asthma, your airways become sensitive, inflamed, and swollen, making it harder for air to move in and out. While there is currently no cure, asthma can be highly manageable with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

What Happens During an Asthma Attack?During normal breathing, air flows freely through your airways to your lungs. For someone with asthma, a trigger can cause three main changes:
–Bronchospasm: The muscles around the airways tighten, narrowing the passages.
–Inflammation: The lining of the airways becomes swollen and irritated.
–Mucus Production: The body produces thick mucus, further clogging the narrowed airways.

Common Symptoms of AsthmaAsthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. The most common signs include:
-Frequent coughing, especially at night, during exercise, or when laughing
-Wheezing (a whistling or squeaking sound when you breathe out)
-Shortness of breath or feeling out of breath easily
-Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

How is Asthma Managed?
Effective asthma management relies on working closely with your healthcare provider to create an Asthma Action Plan. Treatment typically involves two types of medications:
1. Long-Term Control MedicationsTaken daily, even when you feel fine, these medications prevent symptoms by reducing airway inflammation and swelling over time.
2. Quick-Relief (Rescue) InhalersUsed during an asthma attack or before exercise, these medications quickly relax the muscles around your airways to provide immediate relief and restore normal breathing.

When to Seek Emergency CareSeek immediate medical attention if you or someone else experiences severe shortness of breath, a rescue inhaler doesn’t provide relief, or you struggle to speak in full sentences due to breathlessness.