Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
Our Editorial Policy
Updated on: November 16, 2019
Asthma causes the airways to narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can be a minor nuisance or a major obstacle to daily activities. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Asthma may change and get worse over time.
Asthma symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing
- A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
- Coughing or wheezing attacks worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu
Asthma symptoms are typically worsened by a combination of environmental and genetic triggers, unique to the individual. These can include:
- Airborne allergens (like pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches, and dust mites)
- Respiratory infections
- Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
- Cold air
- Air pollutants and irritants (like smoke)
- Medications (including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen)
- Strong emotions and stress
- Food additives (like sulfites and preservatives)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the throat
- Menstrual cycle
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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