Asthma occurs when the airways in your lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed and constricted. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and your airways produce extra mucus that blocks your airways.

Symptoms of Asthma

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• An audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
• Bouts of coughing or wheezing that are worsened by a respiratory virus such as a cold or the flu

Signs that your asthma is probably getting worse include:

• An increase in the severity and frequency of asthma signs and symptoms
• A fall in peak flow rates as measured by a peak flow meter, a simple device used to check how well your lungs are working
• An increased need to use bronchodilators — medications that open up airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles

It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.

Asthma triggers are different from person to person. Exposure to various allergens and irritants can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma, including:

• Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches and dust mites
• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Cold air
• Air pollutants and irritants such as smoke
• Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Strong emotions and stress
• Sulfites, preservatives added to some perishable foods
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat
• Menstrual cycle in some women
• Allergic reactions to foods such as peanuts or shellfish

Risk factors

Asthma is common, affecting millions of adults and children. A growing number of people are diagnosed with the condition each year, but it isn't clear why. A number of factors are thought to increase the chances of developing asthma. These include:

• A family history of asthma
• Frequent respiratory infections as a child
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Living in an urban area, especially if there's a lot of air pollution
• Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing
• Low birth weight
• Being overweight

Complications

Asthma may cause a number of complications, including:

• Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks
• Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes (airway remodeling)
• Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma

Treatment for Asthma

Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Management includes avoiding asthma triggers and tracking your symptoms. You may need to regularly take long-term control medications to prevent flare-ups and short-term "rescue" medications to control symptoms once they start. Asthma that isn't under control can cause missed school and work or reduced productivity due to symptoms. Because in most people asthma changes over time, you'll need to work closely with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.

Severe asthma attacks

Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening and require emergency treatment. If your asthma isn't getting better with quick-relief medications, seek emergency help right away. Work with your doctor ahead of time to determine what to do when your signs and symptoms worsen — and when you need emergency treatment. Signs of an asthma attack that needs emergency treatment include:

• Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing
• No improvement even after using short-acting bronchodilators
• Shortness of breath with minimal activity

Prevention

• Identify and avoid asthma triggers. A number of outdoor allergens and irritants — ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution — can trigger asthma attacks. Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid those triggers.
• Monitor your breathing. You may learn to recognize warning signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. But because your lung function may decrease before you notice any signs or symptoms, regularly measure your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter.
• Identify and treat attacks early. If you act quickly, you're less likely to have a severe attack. You also won't need as much medication to control your symptoms. When your peak flow measurements decrease and alert you to an impending attack, take your medication as instructed and immediately stop any activity that may have triggered the attack. If your symptoms don't improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan.
• Don't let up on your medication program. Just because your asthma seems to be improving, don't change anything without first talking to your doctor. It's a good idea to bring your medications with you to each doctor visit, so your doctor can double-check that you're using your medications correctly and taking the right dose.

Avoid your triggers

Taking steps to reduce your exposure to things that trigger asthma symptoms is a key part of asthma control. Here are some things that may help:

• Use your air conditioner. Air conditioning helps reduce the amount of airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that finds its way indoors. Air conditioning also lowers indoor humidity and can reduce your exposure to dust mites. If you don't have air conditioning, try to keep your windows closed during pollen season.
• Decontaminate your decor. Minimize dust that may aggravate nighttime symptoms by replacing certain items in your bedroom. For example, encase pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust-proof covers. Remove carpeting and install hardwood or linoleum flooring. Use washable curtains and blinds.
• Maintain optimal humidity. Keep humidity low in your home and office. If you live in a damp climate, talk to your doctor about using a dehumidifier.
• Keep indoor air clean. Have a utility company check your air conditioner and furnace once a year. Change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Also consider installing a small-particle filter in your ventilation system. If you use a humidifier, change the water daily.
• Reduce pet dander. If you're allergic to dander, avoid pets with fur or feathers. Having pets regularly bathed or groomed also may reduce the amount of dander in your surroundings.
• Clean regularly. Clean your home at least once a week. If you're likely to stir up dust, wear a mask or have someone else do the cleaning.
• If it's cold out, cover your face. If your asthma is worsened by cold, dry air, wearing a face mask can help.

Stay healthy

Taking care of yourself and treating other conditions linked to asthma will help keep your asthma under control. A few things you can do include:

• Exercise. Having asthma doesn't mean you have to be less active. Treatment can prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms during activity. Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps relieve asthma symptoms. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been inactive, start slowly and try to gradually increase your activity over time.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can worsen asthma symptoms, and it puts you at higher risk of other health problems.
• Control heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's possible that the acid reflux that causes heartburn may damage lung airways and worsen asthma symptoms. If you have frequent or constant heartburn, talk to your doctor about treatment options. You may need treatment for GERD before your asthma symptoms improve.
• Natural Home remedies for Asthma attack.
• Honey with ginger juice is one of oldest remedy to treat all problems related with asthma.
• Mix one teaspoon of honey in a glass of water and drink this solution. Follow this therapy three times a day.
• Boil some garlic cloves in 3ogms of milk. Intake of this helps in curing asthma.
• Mince some garlic cloves (around 4 to 5 cloves). Add this to ginger tea. Inhaling steam of this mixture twice a day cures asthma.
• Whisk a teaspoonful of turmeric powder in a glass of milk. Intake of this remedy 2-3 times a day is recommended.
• Mustard oil when mixed with camphor and massaged over the chest works miraculously in getting some relief during attack.
• Infuse some caraway (ajwain) seeds in boiling water. Heat it at 100 degree Celsius. Inhale this steam to treat asthma.
• Blend lemon juice, honey and radish in a blender. Cook this mixture on pan on low heat. Intake of this mixture daily morning helps in curing asthma.
• Add half a teaspoon of licorice root tea in a cup of hot water. Keep it for ten minutes then strain and drink.
• Use of Bromelain that is an apple extract helps to heal inflammatory symptoms.
• Infuse 4-5 cloves in 125ml of water. After that, stir one teaspoonful of honey. Intake of this mixture twice a day provides cure to mild cases of asthma attack.
• Similarly add 1 teaspoonful of Spiegel seed to warm water. Drink this mixture twice a day. This minimizes asthma attacks.
• Chew the grapes which are soaked in milk overnight. One of the very effective home remedies for Asthma attack.
• Chewing fennel helps removing mucous from the chest.
• Boil some pomegranate and two raisins in 250ml of milk. Intake of this milk twice a day helps in minimizing asthma.
• Gingko biloba is one of those effective herbs to treat asthma. It not only regulates the flow of blood but also a good antihistamine.
• Stinging nettle is also one of those herbs. It is also an effective antihistamine and opens the air passages. Thus a good medication can be done by using herbs.