What Does Asthma Mean for Your Health?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. When airways become irritated, breathing can become difficult. Symptoms may come and go, but asthma requires ongoing management to prevent flare-ups and complications.

Asthma affects both children and adults, and with appropriate treatment and ongoing care, many people are able to manage their symptoms and maintain active, healthy lives.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others may have more frequent or severe attacks.

Common asthma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning
• Difficulty breathing during exercise
• Fatigue caused by poor sleep or labored breathing

If symptoms occur often or interfere with daily activities, it is important to seek medical care.

Can Primary Care Manage Asthma?

Primary care providers play a central role in diagnosing and managing asthma. They review symptoms, perform breathing tests and help identify triggers that may worsen asthma.

Ongoing primary care visits allow providers to adjust medications, monitor lung function and prevent asthma attacks. Primary care also coordinates referrals to specialists like pulmonologists if symptoms become difficult to control.

What is the Treatment for Asthma?

Asthma treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing flare-ups.

Common asthma treatments include:

• Inhaled medications that open airways and reduce inflammation
• Rescue inhalers for sudden symptoms
• Daily controller medications to prevent attacks
• Allergy management when triggers are involved
• Breathing tests to monitor lung function over time

Treatment plans are personalized and may change based on symptoms and lifestyle.

What Lifestyle is Best for Asthma?

Lifestyle habits can help reduce asthma symptoms and improve breathing.

• Avoid known triggers such as smoke, pollen or pet dander
• Maintain a regular exercise routine as recommended by your provider
• Use medications exactly as prescribed
• Keep inhalers accessible at all times
• Track symptoms and triggers to share with your provider

An asthma action plan can help patients know when to adjust medications and when to seek care.

When Should You Reach Out for Help with Asthma?

Contact your primary care provider if asthma symptoms become more frequent, inhalers are needed more often or breathing interferes with daily activities.

Seek emergency care right away for severe shortness of breath, trouble speaking due to difficulty breathing or symptoms that do not improve with rescue medication.

Take the Next Step with CU Medicine

Asthma is a lifelong condition, but it does not have to control your life. CU Medicine primary care providers offer ongoing support, education and treatment to help patients breathe easier and stay active.

Find a CU Medicine primary care provider or specialty care provider by clicking here.