Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways in the lungs become inflamed and overly sensitive, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may be mild or severe and can vary over time. Asthma often begins in childhood but can develop at any age. Common triggers include viral infections, exercise, cold air, allergens, smoke, and environmental irritants. There are many different types of asthma. In many people, asthma is related to underlying allergic or eosinophilic inflammation, collectively termed type 2 inflammation.
Evaluation of asthma includes a detailed medical history and breathing tests such as spirometry, which measures how well air moves in and out of the lungs and exhaled nitric oxide testing, which measures type 2 lung inflammation levels. Allergy testing and blood work are often used to identify triggers or specific asthma subtypes. Treatment is individualized and focuses on both relieving symptoms quickly and controlling airway inflammation long-term. Most patients use inhaled medications, including quick-relief inhalers and daily controller therapies. For patients with more severe or difficult-to-control asthma, targeted biologic therapies can greatly improve symptom control, reduce flares requiring steroids, improve lung function, and help patients maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
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