Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways leading to breathing difficulties. More than 27 million people in the U.S. have asthma, which causes symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. While asthma primarily affects the lower airways, it has significant connections to the upper respiratory system and frequently coexists with conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.
What causes asthma?
Several factors are linked to someone developing asthma, although researchers are still trying to identify what causes the condition.
Some of the most common factors include:
Family history: If you have a parent with asthma, you are 3 to 6 times more likely to develop asthma than someone who does not have a parent with asthma.
Allergies: Certain allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or atopic dermatitis (eczema), are associated with people who get asthma. If you have hay fever, the inflammation in the nasal passages can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
Viral respiratory infections: Respiratory problems during infancy and childhood can cause wheezing. Some children who experience viral respiratory infections develop chronic asthma.
Chronic rhinosinusitis: Chronic rhinosinusitis can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms.
Occupational exposures: Breathing in harmful elements in the home or workplace can cause asthma symptoms. This may include exposure to industrial or wood dust, chemical fumes and vapors, and molds.
Smoking: Cigarette smoke irritates the airways and increases the risk of developing asthma. Even if you don’t smoke, if your mother smoked during pregnancy or if you were exposed to secondhand smoke, you are at a higher risk of developing asthma.
Air pollution: If you live in an urban area with significant pollution, your risk of developing asthma increases.
Obesity: Children and adults who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of developing asthma.
Many people in Arizona may notice their asthma symptoms spike during monsoon season, weather changes, and high pollution advisory days. During our summers, the hot temperatures can “trap” pollution, making it harder for people with asthma to breathe.
Diagnosing Asthma
A physical examination and other diagnostic tools can help rule out other possible conditions, such as a respiratory infection or vocal cord dysfunction. A specialist will ask about your medical history and if you can identify what triggers your symptoms.
Spirometry measures your lung function by checking how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how fast you can breathe out. Allergy skin testing or blood testing can identify specific allergens that may trigger your symptoms. Chest X-rays or CT scans are also useful in ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Treating Asthma
Prevention and long-term control are key to stopping asthma attacks before they start. Treatment usually involves learning to recognize your triggers, taking steps to avoid triggers, and tracking your breathing to make sure your medications are keeping symptoms under control. You must use preventative medications consistently, even when feeling well.
In addition to medications that provide long-term asthma control, quick-relief inhalers are useful for flare-ups of asthma symptoms.
Asthma Medications
Inhaled corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory medications are the cornerstone of long-term asthma control. They reduce airway inflammation and help prevent symptoms.
Bronchodilators: Long-acting bronchodilators combined with inhaled corticosteroids provide ongoing control of asthma symptoms.
Leukotriene modifier: Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) block the action of leukotrienes, chemical messengers involved in allergic reactions. Patients may use them alone to treat mild asthma or along with an inhaled corticosteroid to treat moderate asthma, as well as to treat allergic rhinitis.
Immunotherapy: If allergies trigger your asthma, allergy shots or sublingual tablets can help reduce sensitivity to specific allergens and improve asthma control.
Monoclonal antibodies: If you have moderate to severe asthma that you can’t adequately control with inhaled steroids or a combination of inhaled steroids with bronchodilators, monoclonal antibodies help inhibit or block some of the body’s immune responses that contribute to lung inflammation. You need to get injections every 2 to 4 weeks.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our Allergy/Immunology Specialists
Our team of board-certified allergists/immunologists at Valley ENT understands the complex factors in developing a comprehensive asthma management plan. Addressing both upper and lower airway issues can help patients achieve better symptom control and improve their quality of life. If you experience asthma symptoms or suspect you may have asthma, consult one of our specialists.