Asthma

Asthma & Severe Asthma

Woman using an inhaler for pulmonary disease

Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed, swollen and narrowed, causing episodes of breathing trouble. Asthma can start at any age. Triggers include allergies, colds, exercise, smoke, weather changes and some medications.

Symptoms include:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Coughing, especially at night or early morning

Severe asthma means asthma that stays uncontrolled despite high-dose inhalers, or needs frequent steroid bursts, urgent care visits or hospital stays. It often needs specialist care.

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Diagnosis & Treatment

How we diagnose asthma

  • Spirometry before and after a bronchodilator to show reversible airflow obstruction
  • Allergy testing to identify triggers
  • Blood tests for allergic and eosinophilic inflammation
  • Imaging when needed to rule out other conditions

Treatment options

  • Controller and rescue inhalers matched to your asthma severity
  • Inhaler technique training and a written asthma action plan
  • Identifying and reducing triggers
  • Biologic therapies for severe asthma: injectable medications that target specific types of airway inflammation and can reduce flare-ups and steroid use
  • Treating conditions that worsen asthma, such as reflux, sinus disease and sleep apnea

See also: Chronic Cough · Pulmonary Function Testing

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