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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2024 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved Health A-Z Asthma Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Triggers Living With Prevention Asthma in Children Medically reviewed by Reza Samad, MD Updated on March 07, 2023 Asthma is a chronic lung disease. When you have asthma, your airways may react to a number of different triggers, such as smoke, allergens like pollen, or infections. This leads to constricted and inflamed airways, making it difficult to breathe. The classic symptoms of asthma are wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cough. Asthma can be treated with medications that help control the condition from day to day, while rescue inhalers treat acute attacks of narrowed airways. Understanding Asthma Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment With or Without an Inhaler Asthma Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know Asthma Risk in People of Color Symptoms Shortness of Breath Here’s What to Expect During a Severe Asthma Attack What Is Asthma Exacerbation? Signs of Asthma in Kids Frequently Asked Questions What causes asthma? While its causes are still not entirely understood, asthma is frequently related to genetic factors—people with a family history of asthma are two to six times more likely to develop it themselves.   It can also develop after exposure to respiratory infections, allergens, or irritants during childhood or in the workplace. Learn More Causes and Risk Factors of Asthma How is asthma diagnosed? In addition to evaluating your symptoms—such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing—your doctor may check your breathing with lung (pulmonary) function tests as well as your response to treatment with bronchodilators. Experiencing asthma symptoms that resolve upon treatment with medication is generally considered sufficient for a diagnosis of asthma. Learn More What Type of Asthma Do You Have? Is asthma curable? While asthma is not curable, it is highly treatable. Many people manage this condition successfully over the long term with the help of medication and by learning their personal triggers and making other lifestyle changes. Learn More Prevention and Control of Asthma Attacks Is asthma an autoimmune disease? Recent research suggests there may be a link between asthma and autoimmune diseases, which are both the result of an overactive immune system. People with asthma are more likely to develop certain autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, myasthenia gravis, and lupus. Mast cell activation—a prominent feature of asthma—is also believed to be involved in the symptoms of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.   Learn More Is Your Immune System Making Your Asthma Worse? Triggers Everything to Know About Seasonal Asthma Why Does Asthma Get Worse When You’re Sick? The Link Between Asthma and Food Allergies Is Exercised-Induced Asthma Really Asthma? Is Extreme Heat Making Your Summer Asthma Worse? Living With Asthma Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment With or Without an Inhaler ​​Asthma Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid Don’t Overlook These Natural Asthma Treatments Key Terms Allergen Inhaler Nebulizer Pulmonary Function Test Allergen An allergen is a substance that triggers an immune response in the body—specifically, an IgE antibody response. Allergens vary from person to person and can include a variety of substances, such as mold, food, medications, insect stings, animal dander, dust mites, and metals. Allergic asthma is often triggered by such allergens. Causes and Risk Factors of Allergies Inhaler An inhaler is an alternative to a nebulizer machine. An inhaler may be more difficult to use, particularly for children, because it requires coordination to deliver the medication to your lungs (rather than mouth). When an inhaler is used with a spacer, however, this awkwardness can usually be overcome, and more consistent doses of medication are delivered to the lungs as compared to a nebulizer. How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler Nebulizer A nebulizer turns liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled into the lungs via a mouthpiece or mask. Some nebulizers are portable (working via a battery), while others require electricity. Nebulizers may be easier to use when airways are inflamed during an asthma attack, but there is evidence they don’t deliver medicine as effectively as metered dose inhalers. How to Use a Nebulizer Pulmonary Function Test A pulmonary (lung) function test measures your ability to breathe and take in oxygen. In the most common type of pulmonary test, you’ll breathe into a device called a spirometer, which evaluates the amount of air you blow out in each breath and the speed at which you can do so. Pulmonary function may also be measured with other types of testing, such as plethysmography . Vital Capacity and Your Asthma Treatment Treatment Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment With or Without an Inhaler Do I Need a Beta2-Agonist for My Asthma? Inhaler Colors: What Do They Mean? Thrush: A Side Effect of Your Inhaler Ask an Expert: What Happens If Asthma Is Not Controlled Properly? Types Allergic asthma is the most common type, and can be triggered by pet hair, pollen, and more. Is Your Severe Asthma Really Eosinophilic Asthma? What Is Silent Asthma? Occupational Asthma: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments Bronchial Asthma: Symptoms, Triggers, and More Why Status Asthmaticus Is a Medical Emergency What Is Intrinsic Asthma? 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