Asthma is a chronic disease involving the airways in the lungs. If you have asthma, your airways are always swollen, becoming more inflamed when something triggers your symptoms. This inflammation makes it more difficult for you to breathe and can cause symptoms of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness.
Asthma Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of asthma can include:
- Coughing – Often worse at night or early in the morning
- Wheezing – A whistling or squeaky sound that occurs when you breathe
- Chest Tightness – May feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest
- Shortness of Breath – Feels like you can’t catch your breath or like you can’t get air out of your lungs
Asthma Diagnosis
Asthma is diagnosed based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam and testing. It’s important to share details on which members of your family have asthma symptoms as well as when and how often you experience symptoms. Your doctor will work to determine the severity of your asthma—intermittent, mild, moderate, or severe – which will help determine your personalized care plan.
Asthma Predictive Index
Use this tool to calculate your child’s asthma risks and bring this information to his/her appointment.
Asthma Resources
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
- American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
- American Lung Association
- Ashline – Arizona Smokers’ Helpline
- Asthma Action Plan
- Asthma Action Plan – Interactive
- Asthma Action Plan (Wallet Card)
- Discussion of allergy shots for asthma
- Peak Flow Calculator – A
- Peak Flow Calculator – B
