Asthma Questions, Answered
We’re here to answer some common asthma questions, no matter how small or large.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic, or long-term, disease that inflames and narrows your lungs’ airways. It causes a variety of symptoms that can worsen at any time, making breathing difficult. There are several types of asthma, each with different causes and triggers. Depending on symptoms, medicine use, and lung function, asthma is classified by severity levels, ranging from mild to intermediate to severe.
What are the effects of asthma?
The airway constriction and inflammation caused by asthma can result in common symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. When these symptoms happen, their severity differs from person to person. They may get better or worse with time. Through daily monitoring of symptoms and medication use, you and your doctor together can create an Asthma Action Plan to help you control them.
Can you catch asthma from another person?
No. Asthma is not contagious.
Can asthma be cured?
No, asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Asthma is a chronic disease in the airways of your lungs. You may need to monitor your asthma symptoms every day because the disease is always with you.
Can I play sports if I have asthma?
Most people with asthma can participate in all types of physical activity. Physical activity can provide many benefits for people living with asthma. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your asthma while playing sports. If you start to have pain or a tight feeling in your chest, have a cough, or become short of breath during exercise, stop the activity right away and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Is it worth trying to avoid asthma triggers?
Yes, avoiding asthma triggers and recognizing when they make your symptoms worse are important to managing your asthma.
