How long asthma

This allows air to move in and out of the lungs freely. Asthma causes the airways to change in the following ways:. These changes narrow the airways. Breathing becomes difficult and stressful, like trying to breathe through a straw stuffed with cotton. Uncontrolled asthma — with its underlying inflammation — often acts up at night.

The important thing to know about nighttime asthma is that, with proper management, you should be able to sleep through the night. There is no cure for asthma. You may be at increased risk of a serious asthma attack if:. The best way to avoid an asthma attack is to make sure your asthma is well controlled in the first place.

This means following a written asthma plan to track symptoms and adjust your medication. While you may not be able to eliminate your risk of an asthma attack, you're less likely to have one if your current treatment keeps your asthma under control. Take your inhaled medications as prescribed in your written asthma plan. These preventive medications treat the airway inflammation that causes asthma signs and symptoms. Taken on a daily basis, these medications can reduce or eliminate asthma flare-ups — and your need to use a quick-acting inhaler.

See your doctor if you're following your asthma action plan but still have frequent or bothersome symptoms or low peak flow readings. These are signs your asthma isn't well controlled, and you need to work with your doctor to change your treatment. If your asthma symptoms flare up when you have a cold or the flu, take steps to avoid an asthma attack by watching your lung function and symptoms and adjusting your treatment as needed.

Be sure to reduce exposure to your allergy triggers, and wear a face mask when exercising in cold weather. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview During an asthma attack, also called an asthma exacerbation, the airways become swollen and inflamed.

More Information Asthma attack video. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Asthma: Colds and flu. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor An asthma attack can be triggered by exposure to an allergen, such as tree, grass or weed pollen , dust mites , cockroaches or animal dander.

Other common triggers are irritants in the air, such as smoke or chemical fumes, and strong odors, such as perfume. Certain illnesses — particularly the flu, sinusitis or even a mild upper respiratory infection — may also trigger an asthma attack, as can strenuous exercise, extreme weather conditions and strong emotions that change normal breathing patterns.

Warning signs of a potential asthma attack can include an increase in your need for rescue medication especially albuterol , a worsening cough, shortness of breath particularly if it wakes you up at night and diminished tolerance for exercise. In general, it is important to stay calm and use the medications your allergist has prescribed. An up-to-date asthma action plan filled out by your doctor should always be available to help guide treatment when symptoms occur.

Quick-relief medications — often administered via an inhaler — are used to treat asthma attacks as needed. If symptoms persist or progress, then systemic corticosteroids which reduce airway inflammation may be necessary.

If symptoms persist, see your allergist. Seek immediate medical treatment if coughing or shortness of breath persists or seems to be worsening.

Some triggers particularly affect children with asthma and can make the inflammation in their lungs even worse. The common cold is one of the most frequent triggers for asthma attacks in very young children.

Others include:. If your child has asthma, your allergist will help you discover the triggers that bring on or worsen the symptoms. The first step to controlling symptoms is to stay away from whatever makes your child cough or wheeze. Asthma Attack Asthma is an inflammation and obstruction of the bronchial tubes — the passages that allow air to enter and leave the lungs.

On this page. Overview An asthma attack can be a terrifying experience.