What are the symptoms of asthma?
Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a cough that's worse at night or early morning. Symptoms often flare with colds, cold air, exercise, pollen, dust mites, pets or smoke. Some people have cough-variant asthma, where a dry, lingering cough is the only sign.
How do inhalers work?
The backbone of treatment is an inhaled corticosteroid (controller) that calms airway inflammation. Relying only on a quick-relief albuterol inhaler raises the risk of severe attacks, so the Global Initiative for Asthma (2024) now recommends steroid-containing inhalers even for mild asthma. Call 911 if lips turn blue or you can't finish a sentence. Managing allergies and sinusitis helps too.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
FAQ
- Can asthma be cured?
- Not usually, but it can be well controlled—many elite athletes have asthma.
- Are inhaled steroids safe?
- Doses are far lower than steroid pills; rinsing your mouth afterward prevents thrush.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-25
References
- Global Initiative for Asthma. (2024). Global strategy for asthma management and prevention. GINA.