Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The inflammation makes it hard for the airways to open up and let enough air flow in and out. When this happens, you might have shortness of breath or a tight feeling in your chest. Asthmatic attacks can range from mild to severe and may last several hours or days.

The symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and difficulty in breathing. Coughing is caused when the airways narrow and strain against the walls of the lungs, making it difficult for air to flow in and out. Wheezing is caused by vibrations from bronchial constriction and air rushing through narrowed airways. Shortness of breath, chest tightness and difficulty breathing result from your lungs not getting enough oxygen.

The most common triggers for an asthmatic attack are pollen, dust and mold. Even exposure to cigarette smoke may cause flare-ups. You can also be sensitive to cold or warm weather, pollution and exercise. Triggers work by causing the muscles around the airways to contract, making them narrower and more inflamed. They also cause swelling of the lining of the airways, which limits how much air can flow through them.

However, some treatments can make asthmatic attacks less severe and even ways to stop them from happening. Anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms. Steroids, when taken in small doses, not only reduce the inflammation but also reduce the sensitivity of your airways to triggers that cause the attacks. You can also take beta-agonist medicines, which help relax the airways when trigger conditions cause a temporary narrowing of the airways. If you have the disease, you can take medications that act as bronchodilators. These work by widening your airways, allowing more oxygen flow.

Inhalers are a popular way to get bronchodilators and steroids into your system. Inhalers are hand-held devices that deliver medication as a pressurized aerosol, opening your airways to allow more air to pass through. Regular visits to your doctor are important so that you can be monitored for any changes in your health.

Learning to recognize the triggers and what your body is telling you is essential. Most of the time, it will be a difficult task, but with ongoing monitoring and treatment, you can often control your symptoms.