The CDC reports one out of every 13 Americans has asthma, and 25 million sufferers are children. If you suspect you or a loved one have asthma, get the treatment you need from your primary care physician or a recommended lung specialist. Know the signs and symptoms of this chronic respiratory ailment so you can manage it successfully.

 

Asthma is an autoimmune condition that causes acute and chronic inflammation of the airway. As the airway and lungs are exposed to triggers in the environment, the airway constricts and produces a copious amount of mucus. Breathing becomes labored, and blood oxygenation drops.

 

Potentially, any asthma attack can be deadly. That's why being proactive about treatment and knowing symptoms and triggers is critical. Symptoms of an acute asthma attack are:

Severe attacks include lung sounds called rhonchi which your doctor can hear as he or she uses a stethoscope to listen to your breath sounds. You may experience panic, look very pale, and sweat profusely.

 

Early on, you may feel as though you have a cold with a combination of milder symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. Your doctor may ask you to measure your peak expiratory flow, says the Cleveland Clinic. Your asthma attack is worsening when your peak flow (amount of air you can blow out in a single breath) decreases below a level appropriate to your age, gender, and size.

 

The key to managing asthma is knowing what triggers your asthma symptoms, how to avoid them, and how to treat an acute attack. Triggers include cold or flu, cigarette smoke, cold air, exercise, or even stress. Your primary care physician may refer you to an allergist for testing as common allergens, such as pollen or animal dander, often start an acute episode.

 

Also, your doctor may want you to:

Asthma is not curable, but you can manage your symptoms, stay healthy, and feel good. Talk to your primary care physician. He or she is the best partner in your asthma care.