Asthma - Symptoms & Causes

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:27 PM IST

The common lung disease known as asthma causes the airways to constrict, swell, and occasionally create too much mucus, which can make breathing difficult. The airways become constricted, bloated, and obstructed due to an abundance of mucus. All ages are affected, and while it frequently begins in childhood, it can also appear in adults. This can make breathing challenging, bring on coughing, induce wheezing when exhaling, and shorten one's breath. All ages are affected, and while it frequently begins in childhood, it can also emerge in adults.

This Story also Contains

Types of Asthma
Symptoms of Asthma
Causes of Asthma
Asthma attack
Treatment

Types of Asthma

Based on the underlying reason and the severity of the symptoms, there are many forms of asthma. Asthma is defined by medical professionals as:

Intermittent: When there aren't any asthma attacks, this sort of asthma comes in cycles, allowing the patient to feel normal..

Persistent: When a patient has persistent asthma, they frequently experience symptoms. Symptoms might range from minor to severe. The severity of an asthma attack is determined by how frequently a patient exhibits symptoms.

Adult-onset: This kind of asthma is developed in the patient during the onset of adult age i.e., around 18-20 years.

Pediatric: This kind of asthma, often known as childhood asthma, can affect newborns and toddlers and frequently develops before the age of five. Asthma may be outgrown in kids.

Exercise-induced asthma: This kind is also known as exercise-induced bronchospasm because it is brought on by physical activity.

Occupational asthma: People who work near aggravating compounds are more likely to get this type of asthma.

Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): This kind occurs when a patient has both chronic obstructive lung disease(COPD) and asthma. Breathing becomes challenging in both conditions.

Symptoms of Asthma

Changes that take place right before or right at the start of an asthmatic condition are known as early warning symptoms. These symptoms are the first indications that the asthma is getting worse and may appear before the more typical asthma symptoms. The majority of the time, these symptoms are not severe enough to prevent the person from carrying out regular tasks. However, the patient can avoid an asthma attack or stop it from getting worse by being aware of these signals. Early warning signs of an asthma include:

Frequent cough, especially at night
Breathlessness
Feeling very tired or weak when exercising
Wheezing or coughing after exercise
Feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, or moody
symptoms of allergies or a cold (sneezing, runny nose, cough, sore throat,nasal congestion, and headache)
Trouble sleeping
Other illnesses like bronchitis, vocal cord dysfunction, and even heart failure can resemble the symptoms of asthma.

Causes of Asthma

The major causes of asthma are given below:

Allergies: Asthma risk can increase as a result of allergies.

Respiratory infections: Adolescent children's growing lungs can be harmed by several respiratory illnesses, like the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Environmental factors: After being exposed to items that irritate the airways, people can acquire asthma.

Genetics: The likelihood of the patient having the condition increases if their family has a history of asthma or allergy conditions.

An individual who comes into contact with irritants may experience an asthma attack. Medical professionals refer to these chemicals as "triggers." It is simpler to prevent asthma episodes when you are aware of what causes asthma. Each person may have distinct triggers. Some general triggers include:

Air pollution: An asthma episode can be triggered by many outdoor factors. Factory emissions, vehicle exhaust, wildfire smoke, and other factors all contribute to air pollution.

Dust mites: These bugs are present in our homes even though we cannot see them. An asthma attack may result from a patient's dust mite allergies.

Exercise: Some people experience attacks when they exercise.

Mould: Mould can grow in damp areas, which can be problematic for those who have asthma.

Pests: In the home, mice, cockroaches, and other pests can trigger asthma episodes.

Pets: Asthma episodes may be triggered by pets. Breathing in pet dander (dry skin flakes) might irritate the airways if a person is allergic to it.

Strong chemicals or smells: These can trigger attacks in some people.

Certain occupational exposures: At work, one may come into contact with a variety of substances, such as cleaning supplies, flour or wood dust, or other chemicals. If the person has asthma, any of these may be triggers.

Asthma attack

An asthma attack is a period of time during which the muscles that surround the airways tense up. Doctors refer to this constriction as bronchospasm. The cells lining the airways create more and thicker mucus than usual during an attack, which causes the lining of the airways to swell or become inflamed. Bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production all contribute to symptoms like breathing difficulties, sneezing, breathlessness, and difficulty going about everyday tasks normally.Other symptoms of an asthma attack include:

Extreme wheezing during both inhalation and exhalation
Non-stop coughing
Fast breathing
Pressure or pain in chest region
Retractions i.e., tense muscles in the chest and neck
Problem in speaking
Panic attack
Pale, sweaty face
Blue lips or fingernails

Breathing will become more laboured without prompt treatment, such as a bronchodilator or an inhaler for asthma. The patient won't be able to use the peak flow metre at all as the lungs continue to constrict. Lungs will gradually tighten to the point where there is insufficient airflow to cause wheezing. Unfortunately, some people hesitate to seek quick emergency care when their wheezing stops just to be a sign of recovery. If the patient's asthma is not well treated, they may eventually lose their ability to speak and start to have bluish lips. The colour change (cyanosis) indicates that the blood's oxygen content is steadily declining.

Treatment

Treatment can help control the symptoms so the patient is able to live a normal, active life.There are options to help manage asthma which include:

Bronchodilators/inhalers: The muscles around the airways are relaxed by these drugs. The airways freely move air since the muscles are relaxed. These medications are used for both intermittent and chronic asthma, and they treat the symptoms as they arise.These are of two types:

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Short-acting bronchodilators. Acute asthma symptoms are swiftly reduced or eliminated by short-acting bronchodilators. They last between three and six hours. A rescue inhaler is another term for a short-acting bronchodilator. Inhalers are plastic holders for pharmaceutical canisters with a mouthpiece. An inhaler delivers a steady dose of medication when the patient sprays it.

Long-acting bronchodilators. A 12-hour period is maintained by long-acting bronchodilators. To prevent asthma episodes, people use these inhalers every day.

Anti-inflammatory medicines: These drugs lessen mucus formation and swelling in the airways. They facilitate the passage of air in and out of the lungs. To manage or avoid the symptoms of persistent asthma, they are prescribed for daily use.
Biologic therapies for asthma: When severe asthma symptoms don't go away despite using an inhaler correctly, these are utilised.
Surgery

For people with severe asthma, a technique called bronchial thermoplasty might be recommended. It functions effectively, and there are no significant safety issues. During a bronchial thermoplasty, the patient will be sedated or put to sleep using a general anaesthetic. A slender, flexible tube is inserted into the lungs after being passed via the throat. The muscles around the airways are then heated to assist prevent constriction and the onset of asthma symptoms.

Complementary therapies

Many complementary therapies, such as breathing exercises like the Papworth technique and the Buteyko method, traditional Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, ionisers, manual therapies like chiropractic, homoeopathy, dietary supplements, etc., have been proposed as potential remedies for asthma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is asthma curable?

No, there is no cure for asthma, but the symptoms can be controlled for a healthy lifestyle.

2. Why does asthma get worse at night?

During sleep, airways shrink which adds a bit more resistance to the air entering and exiting our bodies. This results in coughing and further narrowing of the airways. The sinuses may then begin to drain, causing an asthmatic reaction.

3. Why do children get asthma?

Children below five years of age already have short, constricted bronchial tubes, and illnesses like head colds, chest colds, and other respiratory infections can irritate and constrict these already-sensitive airways.

4. Is there any way to prevent asthma?

There is no way to prevent asthma but it is possible to avoid severity of the disease by following a proper medication plan, keeping regular checks on vaccinations especially for influenza and pneumonia, monitoring the breathing regularly to detect early warning signs, and identifying and avoiding asthma triggers.

5. What are the risk factors related to asthma?

Risk factors of asthma include blood relation with an asthmatic person, active or passive smoking, being overweight, constant exposure to pollutants and harmful chemicals.

6. How is asthma diagnosed?

Asthma is preliminarily diagnosed through a test called spirometry. The patient is told to inhale deeply into a tube that is attached to a spirometer, and then to forcibly exhale through it to assess how well the lungs are functioning (pulmonary function).

7. What are the main triggers for asthma attacks?

Common asthma triggers include allergens (like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander), irritants (such as smoke and strong odors), respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, and stress. Each person with asthma may have different triggers, and identifying these is crucial for managing the condition.

8. How does mucus production affect breathing in asthma patients?

In asthma, the airways produce excess mucus in response to inflammation. This thick, sticky mucus can clog the already narrowed airways, further obstructing airflow. The combination of mucus, inflammation, and bronchospasm creates the characteristic difficulty in breathing experienced by asthma patients.

9. What is the difference between acute and chronic asthma symptoms?

Acute asthma symptoms, also known as asthma attacks or exacerbations, are sudden worsening of symptoms that can be severe and require immediate treatment. Chronic asthma symptoms are ongoing, milder symptoms that persist over time and require long-term management. Both types can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

10. What is asthma and how does it affect breathing?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It affects breathing by causing the airways to become swollen, constricted, and filled with mucus, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. This results in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

11. How does asthma affect gas exchange in the lungs?

Asthma impairs gas exchange by narrowing the airways and causing air trapping. This leads to areas of the lungs receiving less air (hypoventilation) and others receiving too much (hyperventilation). The result is an imbalance in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which can cause shortness of breath and other symptoms.

12. What is the "hygiene hypothesis" and how does it relate to asthma?

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that a lack of early childhood exposure to certain microorganisms and parasites may increase susceptibility to allergic diseases, including asthma. This theory proposes that our increasingly clean environments may prevent the immune system from developing properly, leading to overreactions to harmless substances.

13. How does the immune system contribute to asthma symptoms?

In asthma, the immune system overreacts to certain triggers, releasing chemicals that cause inflammation in the airways. This immune response leads to increased mucus production, swelling of the airway lining, and tightening of the muscles around the airways, all contributing to the characteristic symptoms of asthma.

14. What is the relationship between allergies and asthma?

Allergies and asthma are closely related. Many people with asthma have allergic asthma, where allergens trigger their symptoms. The same immune system overreaction that causes allergy symptoms can also trigger asthma symptoms. This connection is why managing allergies is often an important part of asthma control.

15. What is the role of nitric oxide in asthma?

Nitric oxide plays a complex role in asthma. In normal lung function, it helps relax airway smooth muscles. However, in asthma, there's often an overproduction of nitric oxide, which can contribute to inflammation. Measuring exhaled nitric oxide levels is sometimes used as a non-invasive way to assess airway inflammation in asthma patients.

16. How does air pollution impact asthma symptoms?

Air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms by irritating the airways and increasing inflammation. Particulate matter, ozone, and other pollutants can trigger asthma attacks and contribute to long-term airway damage. People with asthma are often more sensitive to changes in air quality and may need to take extra precautions on high-pollution days.

17. How does the circadian rhythm affect asthma symptoms?

Many people with asthma experience worse symptoms at night or in the early morning. This is partly due to the body's circadian rhythm, which affects hormone levels and airway function. Understanding this pattern helps in timing medication doses and identifying potential nighttime triggers.

18. How does obesity affect asthma symptoms and management?

Obesity can worsen asthma symptoms and make the condition harder to control. Excess weight can put pressure on the lungs, making breathing more difficult. It also increases inflammation throughout the body, which can exacerbate airway inflammation. Weight loss is often recommended as part of asthma management for obese patients.

19. What is airway remodeling in asthma, and why is it concerning?

Airway remodeling refers to structural changes in the airways that occur over time in some people with asthma. This includes thickening of the airway walls, increased mucus gland size, and changes in the airway smooth muscle. These changes can lead to permanent narrowing of the airways and may not be fully reversible, even with treatment.

20. How does cold air trigger asthma symptoms?

Cold air can trigger asthma symptoms by cooling and drying the airways. This can cause the airway muscles to contract and lead to increased mucus production. Additionally, cold air often contains less moisture, which can further irritate the airways. Understanding this mechanism helps in developing strategies to prevent cold-induced asthma attacks.

21. What is the relationship between GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and asthma?

GERD and asthma often coexist and can exacerbate each other. Acid reflux can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Conversely, asthma can worsen GERD by changing pressure relationships in the chest and abdomen. Managing GERD can sometimes lead to improvements in asthma symptoms.

22. How do inhaled corticosteroids work to manage asthma symptoms?

Inhaled corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation in the airways. They suppress the immune response that causes swelling and mucus production, making the airways less sensitive to triggers. This helps prevent asthma symptoms and reduces the frequency and severity of asthma attacks over time.

23. What is the role of bronchodilators in asthma treatment?

Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways, helping to open them up and improve airflow. There are two main types: short-acting bronchodilators for quick relief of symptoms, and long-acting bronchodilators for ongoing control. They work by binding to receptors on airway smooth muscles, causing them to relax.

24. How does asthma differ from other respiratory conditions?

Asthma is unique because it involves both inflammation and reversible airway obstruction. Unlike chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma symptoms can often be completely reversed with proper treatment. Asthma also tends to have triggers that cause sudden flare-ups, whereas other respiratory conditions may have more constant symptoms.

25. What is the "early phase" and "late phase" response in asthma?

The "early phase" response occurs within minutes of exposure to a trigger and involves the rapid constriction of airway smooth muscles. The "late phase" response happens hours later and is characterized by increased inflammation and mucus production. Understanding these phases helps in developing targeted treatments for both immediate and long-term symptom management.

26. What role do bronchial smooth muscles play in asthma?

Bronchial smooth muscles surround the airways. In asthma, these muscles can become hypersensitive and contract excessively in response to triggers. This contraction, known as bronchospasm, narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult. Many asthma medications work by relaxing these muscles to open up the airways.

27. How does exercise-induced asthma differ from other forms of asthma?

Exercise-induced asthma, or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is triggered specifically by physical activity. It occurs when the airways narrow in response to the increased breathing rate and dry, cool air associated with exercise. While it shares similar symptoms with other forms of asthma, it is uniquely tied to physical exertion.

28. What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic asthma?

Extrinsic (allergic) asthma is triggered by allergens and involves an IgE-mediated immune response. Intrinsic (non-allergic) asthma is not caused by allergens and its triggers are often less clear. It may be related to viral infections, exercise, or stress. Understanding this distinction can help in tailoring treatment approaches.

29. How do anti-IgE medications work in treating severe allergic asthma?

Anti-IgE medications, such as omalizumab, work by binding to and neutralizing IgE antibodies in the blood. IgE plays a crucial role in allergic reactions, including those that trigger asthma. By reducing free IgE, these medications can decrease the allergic response and improve asthma control in people with severe allergic asthma.

30. What is the role of eosinophils in asthma, and how do treatments target them?

Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a significant role in the inflammation associated with asthma. In some types of asthma, there's an increase in eosinophils in the airways. Newer biologic treatments for severe asthma specifically target pathways that reduce eosinophil numbers or activity, helping to decrease inflammation and improve symptoms.

31. How does thunderstorm asthma occur, and why is it dangerous?

Thunderstorm asthma is a phenomenon where a thunderstorm triggers a sudden and severe asthma attack in multiple people simultaneously. It occurs when the storm's downdrafts carry pollen grains to ground level, where they rupture due to moisture and release tiny allergenic particles. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially causing severe asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.

32. How do viral respiratory infections affect asthma?

Viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, can trigger asthma attacks and worsen symptoms. These infections cause additional inflammation in the airways, making them more sensitive to other triggers. For many people with asthma, catching a cold can lead to a significant exacerbation of their condition.

33. How do beta-2 agonists work to relieve asthma symptoms?

Beta-2 agonists are a type of bronchodilator that work by binding to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle cells. This binding causes the muscles to relax, widening the airways and improving airflow. They provide quick relief of symptoms but don't address the underlying inflammation in asthma.

34. What is the role of leukotrienes in asthma, and how do leukotriene modifiers help?

Leukotrienes are inflammatory molecules produced by the immune system that contribute to airway constriction and increased mucus production in asthma. Leukotriene modifiers are medications that block the action of these molecules, helping to reduce inflammation and improve asthma control.

35. How does stress affect asthma symptoms?

Stress can worsen asthma symptoms through several mechanisms. It can lead to rapid, shallow breathing that irritates the airways. Stress also affects the immune system and can increase inflammation throughout the body, including in the airways. Additionally, stress may cause people to neglect their asthma management routines.

36. What is the concept of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma?

Airway hyperresponsiveness refers to the tendency of the airways in people with asthma to react more strongly to various stimuli compared to those without asthma. This heightened sensitivity can cause the airways to narrow excessively in response to triggers that wouldn't affect a person without asthma, leading to characteristic symptoms.

37. How do inhaled corticosteroids differ from oral corticosteroids in asthma treatment?

Inhaled corticosteroids are delivered directly to the airways, allowing for high local concentrations with minimal systemic side effects. They're used for long-term control. Oral corticosteroids affect the entire body and are typically used for short periods to manage severe asthma exacerbations due to their potential for significant side effects with long-term use.

38. What is the role of the epithelium in asthma pathophysiology?

The airway epithelium, the layer of cells lining the airways, plays a crucial role in asthma. In asthma, this barrier can become damaged and dysfunctional, leading to increased permeability to allergens and irritants. The epithelium also produces inflammatory mediators that contribute to the overall inflammatory response in asthma.

39. What is the concept of the "united airway disease" in relation to asthma?

The "united airway disease" concept suggests that upper and lower airway diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, are interconnected and part of a single inflammatory process. This understanding emphasizes the importance of treating both upper and lower airway symptoms for optimal asthma management.

40. How do long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) work in asthma treatment?

LAMAs work by blocking muscarinic receptors in the airways, which helps to relax airway smooth muscles and reduce mucus secretion. Unlike beta-2 agonists, which stimulate receptors to open airways, LAMAs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes airway constriction. They're often used as an add-on therapy for patients whose asthma is not well-controlled with other medications.

41. What is the role of vitamin D in asthma, and how might deficiency impact symptoms?

Vitamin D plays a role in immune system function and may help reduce airway inflammation. Some studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased asthma severity and poorer control. While more research is needed, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be beneficial for some asthma patients.

42. How does the microbiome of the lungs potentially influence asthma?

The lung microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in the airways, may play a role in asthma development and severity. An imbalance in the microbiome (dysbiosis) could contribute to airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Understanding the lung microbiome may lead to new therapeutic approaches for asthma in the future.

43. What is aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), and how does it relate to asthma?

AERD, also known as Samter's Triad, is a chronic condition characterized by asthma, recurrent nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In people with AERD, taking these medications can trigger severe asthma attacks. Understanding this condition is crucial for proper management of affected individuals.

44. How does pregnancy affect asthma symptoms and management?

Pregnancy can have variable effects on asthma, with some women experiencing improvement and others worsening of symptoms. Hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the diaphragm can impact breathing. Proper asthma control during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both mother and baby, and may require adjustments to medication regimens under medical supervision.

45. What is the role of interleukin-5 (IL-5) in asthma, and how do IL-5 inhibitors work?

IL-5 is a cytokine that plays a key role in the production and activation of eosinophils, which contribute to airway inflammation in asthma. IL-5 inhibitors are biologic medications that block the action of IL-5, reducing eosinophilic inflammation. These drugs can be effective in treating severe eosinophilic asthma that doesn't respond well to standard treatments.

46. How does occupational asthma differ from other forms of asthma?

Occupational asthma is caused or worsened by exposure to specific substances in the workplace. It can develop in people with no prior history of asthma or exacerbate pre-existing asthma. Unlike other forms of asthma, symptoms may improve when away from work and worsen during work hours. Identifying and avoiding the occupational trigger is crucial for management.

47. What is the concept of "asthma phenotypes," and why is it important for treatment?

Asthma phenotypes refer to distinct subgroups of asthma based on clinical characteristics, triggers, and underlying mechanisms. Examples include allergic asthma, exercise-induced asthma, and eosinophilic asthma. Identifying a patient's specific phenotype can help in tailoring more effective, personalized treatment approaches.

48. How do beta-blockers potentially affect asthma symptoms?

Beta-blockers, commonly used to treat heart conditions, can potentially worsen asthma symptoms in some patients. They work by blocking beta receptors, including those in the lungs that help keep airways open. This can lead to bronchoconstriction. However, some newer, more selective beta-blockers may be safer for people with asthma.