what is asthma?

Question

Answer 1

Asthma: Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that can cause constriction of the airways and causes shortness of breath, cough and wheezing and is usually treated with bronchodilators and antiinflammatory inhalers, and sometimes other medications are indicated depending on the severity of the disease. A pulmonologist or allergist can diagnose and treat it.

Answer 2

Genes + environment: People with asthma usually are predisposed to be allergic. This is usually inherited, and so caused by your particular genes. However, this alone is not enough. There is also clearly an effect from the environment you live in. Exactly what in the environment is responsible is unknown, but is the object of much interest and research.

Answer 3

Also infection: While 80% of asthma patients have allergies, there are patients whose asthma starts after they had a respiratory infection. Those infections can be due to viruses such as influenza (the real flu) or certain bacteria such as mycoplasma or chlamydia. Such patients are usually older and have no history of allergy. Still, patients who already have asthma and get infected, their asthma will get worse.

Answer 4

Allergies: The majority of childhood asthma is caused by allergies creating inflammation in the lungs which leads to narrowing of the air tubes in the lungs and trouble breathing. Infection certainly can cause symptoms that look like asthma. In children this often occurs after illnesses like RSV, influenza, parainfluenza, and even the common cold has been shown to have this effect.

Answer 5

Repair defect: Although over 50% of asthma is related to allergies, allergies do not cause asthma in everyone who is allergic. The current focus is on the malfunctioning repair mechanism in the epithelium of the airways which apparently is abnormal in people suffering from asthma. Many thing can trigger the damage (diesel particles, allergens, virus) the end result is narrowing of the airways. Sounds too complex

Answer 6

Many: Although the exact cause(s) for asthma is being debated, about 80% of asthma especially among younger people are related to allergy. Current thinking is that a viral infection is likely the trigger for its development. More recently, an abnormal epithelium (which covers the airways) is considered a major component for the development of asthma. A detailed review is not feasible .

Answer 7

Asthma: Asthma is caused by reactive airways that results in excess mucous production + narrowed airways. Symptoms are usually episodic and triggered by allergies (grasses, pollen, mould) or infections. Some people get exercise-induced symptoms.

Answer 8

Genetics/external fr: There is ample evidence that true asthma is genetically linked to the issues of allergy & eczema & frequency is higher when one or both parents are affected. Lower respiratory tract viruses often trigger both infectious wheezing & that of true asthma early on with infectious wheezing subsiding after 3-4y. Allergies often co-exist but less than 5% of events are allergy driven alone.

Answer 9

Not really: Asthma is not an infectious disease and so is not transmissible as such. Viral infections or colds that worsen asthma are transmissible or infectious. Asthma often may have a genetic component and so does run in families.

Answer 10

No: It is not.

Answer 11

Not really...: Asthma is a disease characterized by recurrent episodes of bronchospasm and airway inflammation and is not contagious. However, upper respiratory infections are a common trigger of asthma and these are contagious.

Answer 12

No: Some infections can cause asthma, but asthma can not be contagious.

Answer 13

Sort of: Asthma is a polygenetic disease. So, you get it from your parents. Triggers for people who have "underlying" asthma certainly include transmissible disease such as viruses that cause URI. Asthma involves inflammation of the lungs, which is constantly being suppressed during times of good control. With an infection, the suppression mechanism is released and "asthmatic inflammation" follows

Answer 14

Breathing problem: Asthma is a life-long breathing problem. It is caused by swelling and closing of the airways and can make it hard to breathe. You cannot see airways because they are inside the body, connected to the lungs. If your child has asthma and it’s not treated, it could limit the activities your child can participate in, as well as her ability to feel well and be alert in school.

Answer 15

Syndrome: Asthma is not one disease, but a collection of symptoms and problems that we treat similarly. The main problem in asthma is inflammation (swelling) in the small air conducting units in the lung combined with spasm of those airways. The problems is thought to mostly be caused by allergens in the air - but this may not always be true.

Answer 16

Definition...: Asthma is a disease of the airways characterized by recurrent acute exacerbations of bronchospasm and airway inflammation. Between exacerbations, most asthmatics have no symptoms. There is no cure but there are effective treatments.

Answer 17

Chronic disease: Of bronchi characterized by constriction, iflamation and increased sputum production.

Answer 18

Asthma: Asthma is a general description meaning you wheeze easily or frequently. There are contributing factors: allergy, sinus infections and reflux disorders are the most common. Asthma is often treated as an isolated lung condition... as if the wheezing is the disease when it's often only the symptom of other underlying issues. If the factors are controlled the "asthma" can become a non-issue.

Answer 19

Lung Inflammation: Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lungs that leads to narrowing of the airways and increased reactivity of the airways causing spasms of the muscles in the airway walls which makes you feel short of breath. It is usually caused by allergies, but can be caused by infections, chemical exposures, and many other things. IT can sometimes be cured with allergy shots aka immunotherapy.

Answer 20

Asthma: Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that can cause constriction of the airways and causes shortness of breath, cough and wheezing and is usually treated with bronchodilators and antiinflammatory inhalers, and sometimes other medications are indicated depending on the severity of the disease. A pulmonologist or allergist can diagnose and treat it.

Answer 21

Shortness of breath: Asthma can be thought of as your lungs getting too tight to get enough air in & out, thus leading to characteristic wheezing & shortness of breath. With that said, absence of wheezing doesn't imply lack of asthma b/c asthma attack can be so bad that there's no air movement, thus no sound. Breathing tubes can get smaller (bronchospasm) & plug w/mucus due to inflammation. http://goo.gl/mxu8b.

Answer 22

Airway inflammation: Main components of asthma are inflammation and constriction of small airways, making more difficult to breathe. When exposed to virus or allergen, wheezing can occur.The more severe inflammation and constriction, the worse the asthmatic attack. Cells in the airways might make more mucus than usual plugging up airways. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood.

Answer 23

Asthma: Generally recurrent episodes of asthma following a trigger such as a virus or allergen. Some people with asthma have episodes of coughing or SOB. Exercise may also induce episodes of wheezing. There is usually a family history. Review your symptoms with your doctor. He/she may want to send you for Pulmonary Function testing. All the best.

Answer 24

A condition: a condition based on inflammation of the airways that causes increased secretions, cough and difficulty breathing

Answer 25

InflammatoryDisease: Asthma is a chronic Inflamatory Disease of the Airway and causes recurrent symptoms and airflow obstruction and reversible airflow obstruction and Bonchospasm It can present as cough,wheezing and Shortness of Breath

Answer 26

Check this website: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma Avoid all milk products since the milk protein causes respiratory tract inflammation. Also avoid grains, lentils. Consume veggies, flesh foods, olive oil. Getting 30 -45 min of sunshine at noon daily or taking vitamin D3 10,000 IU/day and taking a good probiotic (not yogurt) help reduce inflammation This may help avoid the need for meds

Answer 27

Inflammation: Generally defined as inflammation of the airways lead to airway narrowing thereby causing shortness of breath, coughing, and/or wheezing. There are many types of asthma including some which will progress to chronic obstructive lung disease. Although many cases of asthma are due to allergies , some are not.

Answer 28

InflammatoryDisease: Asthma is a chronic Inflamatory Disease of the Airway and causes recurrent symptoms and airflow obstruction and reversible airflow obstruction and Bonchospasm It can present as cough,wheezing and Shortness of Breath

Answer 29

Chronic disease: It is chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. This is related narrowed airways from inflammatory changes of the airway walls and spasm of the muscle in the airways(bronchospasm).

Answer 30

Check this website: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma Avoid all milk products since the milk protein causes respiratory tract inflammation. Also avoid grains, lentils. Consume veggies, flesh foods, olive oil. Getting 30 -45 min of sunshine at noon daily or taking vitamin D3 10,000 IU/day and taking a good probiotic (not yogurt) help reduce inflammation This may help avoid the need for meds

Answer 31

Asthma: Tough to answer in only 400 characters. But, asthma is a lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of your lungs. Read more information here: http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/asthma/learning-more-about-asthma/ talk with your doctor to address any specific medical concerns or have consult via HealthTap.

Answer 32

InflammatoryDisease: Asthma is a chronic Inflamatory Disease of the Airway and causes recurrent symptoms and airflow obstruction and reversible airflow obstruction and Bonchospasm It can present as cough,wheezing and Shortness of Breath

Answer 33

Asthma: There are 3 main characteristics of asthma: airway inflammation, sensitivity to triggers, and the temporary occurrence of airflow obstruction leading to shortness of breath. These symptoms can be relieved by rescue and/or controller medications like albuterol and inhaled steroids. If you are concerned you might have asthma see your doctor or Allergist for evaluation and pulmonary function testing.

Answer 34

InflammatoryDisease: Asthma is a chronic Inflamatory Disease of the Airway and causes recurrent symptoms and airflow obstruction and reversible airflow obstruction and Bonchospasm It can present as cough,wheezing and Shortness of Breath

Answer 35

Chronic disease: It is chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. This is related narrowed airways from inflammatory changes of the airway walls and spasm of the muscle in the airways(bronchospasm).

Answer 36

Airway Obstruction: Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath due to airway obstruction. The symptoms are usually episodic, but can be present on a daily basis.

Answer 37

Asthma - general: Asthma is a combination of cough, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath, not necessarily all at the same time. The symptoms usually come and go in response to different triggers like dust, animal dander, different foods, exercise or infections such as viruses or the common cold. Some people can have a constant low-level of symptoms that may manifest as a night time cough.

Answer 38

Asthma : Asthma is a codition that affects the airways of the lungs, leading to a spasm of the smooth muscles in the bronchial tree, inflammation of the mucus mabrane that is lining the airway & also the secretion of mucus , all these factors lead to narrowing of the airway leading to wheezing, difficulty breathing & cough. It can be familial, allergic or due exposure to pollution. I hope this helps.

Answer 39

Chronic disease: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by sudden recurring attacks of wheezing, coughing and sometimes labored breathing. It is characterized by contraction of the muscular walls of the bronchial tubes and inflamation. If left untreated can cause significant respiratory distress and death.

Answer 40

Lung disease: Please consult this site for good information on this disorder of breathing. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/definition/CON-20026992

Answer 41

Asthma: It is characterized by narrowing of the airways (breathing tubes) in the lungs. This narrowing is partially or completely reversible. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms tend to come and go, and are related to the degree of airway narrowing in the lungs. The airways are sensitive to a variety of stimuli, which may include viral illnesses (eg, the common cold), allergens, exercise, medicines, or environmental conditions.

Answer 42

Breathing problem: https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/a/asthma/ You may find this link useful. Asthma is where the tubes going to your lungs get narrow, often in reaction to something. There are medicines that can help reduce and control this reaction.

Answer 43

Asthma: as the others have said is inflammation of the large breathing tubes (airways). It can be treated with medications and where triggers are known (not always) sometimes these can be avoided. Most GPs are familiar with the range of asthma treatments if this is required for you. Here is some general information developed from a Waikato perspective for you: http://www.asthmawaikato.org.nz

Answer 44

Asthma: Asthma is a condition that affects the smaller airways (bronchioles) of the lungs. From time to time the airways narrow (constrict) in people who have asthma.The typical symptoms are wheeze, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Treatment usually works well to ease and prevent symptoms .Treatment is usually with inhalers

Answer 45

See a doctor: Patients with asthma require evaluation and treatment with prescription medicine. See an allergist for lung function testing and allergy testing if appropriate. The allergist can then discuss treatment options and prescribe appropriate medication for prevention and quick relief and provide a plan for dealing with exacerbations.

Answer 46

What stage: The most important step in treating asthma is to determine the stage/seriousness of the asthma, from mild to severe, intermittent to chronic. To do this, you need to know how often you wheeze, how many nights, etc. For some information, look here: http://www.Nhlbi.Nih.Gov/health/public/lung/index.Htm#asthma, but you should see your primary care provider for the proper staging and medications.

Answer 47

Consult your Doctor: First thing to do is consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis after a detailed history physical exam and pulmonary function tests.And your doctor will make a treatment plan based on the severity of your asthma. 1avoid trigers like smoking, house dust, pets if you are allergic to them and others if any 2controlling meds 3relievers used for acute attacks educate yourself about your condition.

Answer 48

See A doctor: If not controlled, see a doctor.They will evaluate you, try to the determine the causes and proper therapy.

Answer 49

Lifestyle change: Avoid all milk products since the milk protein causes respiratory tract inflammation. Also avoid grains, lentils. Consume veggies, flesh foods, olive oil. Getting 30 -45 min of sunshine at noon daily or taking vitamin D3 10,000 IU/day and taking a good probiotic (not yogurt) help reduce inflammation Yoga breathing exercises 10-30 min/day help too. This may help avoid the need for meds

Answer 50

General advice ??: The best advise for an asthma patient is to get a good evaluation, set up a reasonable treatment plan & comply with that plan. Proper followup & a good relationship with your pcp helps assure you can adjust treatment as changes arise.

Answer 51

No: It is not; asthma is the body's response to allergens or irritants in the air. Individual's responses to these stimuli vary widely, but they are not shared.

Answer 52

No: Not at all.

Answer 53

Sort of: Asthma is a polygenetic disease. So, you get it from your parents. Also, triggers for people who have "underlying" asthma certainly include transmissible disease such as viruses that cause URI. Asthma involves inflammation of the lungs, which is constantly being suppressed during times of good control. With an infection, the suppression mechanism is released and "asthmatic inflammation" follows

Answer 54

Possible: It is not unusual for a patient to have a history of asthma as a child/teen have the symptoms resolve and then return as an adult.

Answer 55

Yes: Asthma can present or represent at any time.

Answer 56

By definition: Many would never use a single episode of wheezing as a true indication of asthma. An early, simple definition of asthma is:"recurrent episodes of wheezing or bronchospasm not always triggered by an infectious process". Single episodes can occur in response to toxic gas exposure, infection or other triggers in anyone.

Answer 57

Yes: In some cases from infancy, asthma improves or "disappeared" & then returns or became more symptomatic as an adult. It can happened at any age. If a young adult smokes it could developed in COPD with more chances than in others.

Answer 58

Yes: Asthma can return. It is important to realize that for most asthmatics, "asthma" does not come and go, it is always there in the airways even if there are no symptoms. This is because asthma is caused by long term inflammation in the lungs. Therefore, you should have regular breathing tests to assess your symptoms and medication effectiveness.

what is asthma?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Similar questions

What causes asthma?

Is asthma transmissible?

What is asthma?

Is asthma communicable?

Can asthma return?

Related questions

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

People also asked

Disclaimer:

Get the free app for Members

Get the free app for Doctors