This WebMD slideshow takes a look at asthma symptoms and treatment options, as well as the most common causes of asthma and what can trigger an asthma attack.
Ourlatest study, published inThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine, has revealed that a drug called benralizumab—administered as an injection—may be the breakthrough that we have been waiting for. The results suggest that this treatment, administered at the time of a flare-up, is highly effective a...
Also called an exacerbation or flare-up, anasthma attackcan occur at any time when symptoms are triggered. Mild attacks may last for only a few minutes, while more severe ones could go on for hours or days and can lead to a medical emergency. In fact, asthma attacks are responsible for ...
with most physician visits occurring at a flare-up. Additional research will help determine the best course of long-term treatment for patients with asthma.
During an asthma flare-up, blood tests may be done to check for infection. An arterial blood gas (ABG) test can be done on a blood sample. It provides a more accurate measure of oxygen levels. Your doctor also may want you to have a chest X-ray....
3. Treatment with medications: Your asthma treatment will combine the regular use of controllermedicines withperiodicuse ofrelievermedicines when your symptomsflareup. It is essential that you understand which to use when, how to take you...
Air pollution:Growing up or living in an urban area increases your risk of developing asthma due to exposure to ozone, the main component of smog. Asthma triggers can be a substance, activity, or condition that worsens your asthma, causing an asthma flare-up or attack. Knowing your asthma ...
to low temperatures and dry air. Usually, air is moistened and warmed as you breathe in through the nose. When you breathe hard, as when physically active, you breathe more air in through your mouth. Colder, drier air flows into your lower airways, which can trigger an asthma flare-up....
While there is no cure for asthma, treatment options—from inhalers to home remedies—can help control the symptoms so you're able to live a normal, active life.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Learn the right steps toward treatment. Reviewed by a board-certified allergist.