Asthma is a chronic lung disease marked by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which lead to symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms often worsen during the morning and evening.

The main signs and symptoms of asthma include inflammation and tissue remodeling of the lower airway, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.

Asthma is diagnosed using a combination of patient history, physical examination of the lungs, lung function tests, and potentially allergy tests to identify triggers. Key tests include spirometry and peak expiratory flow measurements, along with assessing the response to an inhaler.

Inhalers are the primary medical treatment for asthma, and short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol are used during acute exacerbations. For more persistent asthma, long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) and glucocorticoids may be prescribed for ongoing management.

A few supplements — including magnesium, coleus-forskohlii, pycnogenol, and saffron — have been studied for their potential to improve asthma symptoms, but more research is necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Diet can influence asthma risk; higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dairy is associated with a reduced risk, and a shift from a proinflammatory diet to a less inflammatory one may also help. Additionally, early-life antibiotic use may alter the microbiome and increase asthma risk later on.

In addition to inhalers, avoiding asthma triggers is crucial for effective treatment. Individuals should monitor and steer clear of environments, activities, and substances that exacerbate their condition and always carry an inhaler for emergencies.

The cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Acute asthma episodes can be triggered by allergens, nonallergens, and exercise.