Overview
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. Airways become hypersensitive to triggers, swelling and producing excess mucus. While there is no cure, asthma can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. It affects people of all ages and is one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally, particularly prevalent in children.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of Asthma:
- Airway inflammation and hypersensitivity
- Genetic predisposition and family history
- Allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould
- Respiratory infections in early childhood
- Tobacco smoke and air pollution exposure
- Exercise-induced airway narrowing
- Cold air or weather changes
- Stress and strong emotions
- Aspirin or beta-blockers in some people
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Asthma include:
- Wheezing — whistling sound when breathing
- Shortness of breath especially during exercise
- Chest tightness or pain
- Persistent cough, worse at night
- Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems
- Rapid breathing during attacks
- Blue-tinged lips or fingernails in severe cases
- Difficulty speaking during acute episode
Diagnosis
Asthma is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for Asthma may include:
- Reliever inhalers (short-acting beta-agonists) for immediate relief
- Preventer inhalers (corticosteroids) taken daily
- Long-acting bronchodilators for persistent symptoms
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists as add-on therapy
- Biologic therapies for severe allergic asthma
- Identifying and avoiding personal triggers
- Peak flow meter monitoring
- Written asthma action plan
Prevention
Avoid known triggers, keep home dust-free, do not smoke, get flu vaccine annually, take preventer medication consistently even when well.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, Asthma can lead to complications including:
Severe attacks requiring hospitalisation, permanent airway remodelling, reduced quality of life, increased risk of other respiratory conditions.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: J45. Last reviewed June 2026.