What is Asthma?
Asthma is a health issue that effects the lungs. Airways swell and make it hard to breathe.
Asthma Triggers
Triggers make asthma worse and can cause an attack. Some common triggers are:
- Tobacco smoke.
- Air pollution.
- Dust.
- Cockroaches.
- Pet fur.
- Pollen.
- Being active.
- Cold or the flu.
- Meds like aspirin.
- Stress.
Signs of an Asthma Attack
These include:
- Coughing – worse at night and early in the morning.
- Wheezing – whistle sound when you breathe.
- Chest tightness.
- Shortness of breath.
Taking Care of Asthma
Talk with your doctor about:
- Asthma meds.
- Asthma triggers and how to avoid them.
- Quitting smoking.
Why Quit Smoking
You can’t get rid of asthma, but quitting can make your lungs work better. You are less likely to have:
- Swollen airways.
- Shortness of breath and coughing.
- Hospital stays due to asthma.
Help from the Quit Line
Content from: UW-CTRI and the University of California-San Diego