Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways become sore and swollen, making them very sensitive. In turn, they may react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating.

For asthma and allergy sufferers, triggers can be everywhere. Both pediatric and adult patients should learn their triggers and how to avoid or manage them.

• Allergens (dust mites, cockroaches, pollens, molds, pet dander, rodents)
• Irritants in the air (cigarette smoke, wood fires, strong fumes, air pollution)
• Respiratory illness (colds, flu, sore throats, sinus infections, pneumonia)
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Weather (dry wind, cold air, sudden changes in weather)
• Emotions (your breathing changes with strong emotions) 

Learn to recognize the signs of an asthma attack—coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness. 

At Marshall Health, we partner with patients to not only help them control their asthma symptoms but also educate them on how to monitor symptoms at home and when to seek medical attention.