Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms worsen during an asthma attack, which can be sudden, severe, and sometimes life-threatening. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors play major roles. Asthma attacks occur when a person encounters triggers, which vary by individual and may include allergens (dust mites, mold, pets, pollen, pest waste), irritants (cold air, certain medicines, chemicals, infections, pollution, tobacco smoke), workplace exposures (chemical fumes, dust), or exercise. Risk factors include family history, secondhand smoke exposure, certain jobs, race/ethnicity (higher risk in Black, African American, and Puerto Rican populations), allergies, obesity, frequent childhood infections, and sex (more common in boys during childhood and in women as adults). Diagnosis involves a physical exam, medical history, lung function tests like spirometry and peak flow, tests that measure airway sensitivity, nitric oxide testing for airway inflammation, and allergy tests. Treatment focuses on avoiding triggers, using quick-relief inhalers for attacks, and taking daily control medicines to reduce airway inflammation. Severe attacks may require emergency care. For adults with uncontrolled severe asthma, a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty may be considered to reduce airway muscle tightening.
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