Asthma is a respiratory condition where a person's airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce excess mucus, making it hard to breathe. This can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which can be managed with inhalers to alleviate discomfort and improve breathing. Despite its varying severity, asthma has the potential to disrupt daily activities and, in extreme cases, poses a serious risk to a person's life, highlighting the importance of appropriate management and awareness.
Various triggers can exacerbate asthma symptoms, including smoking, secondhand smoke, dust mites, air pollution, pets, mold, and exercise in poor air quality conditions. Identifying these triggers is crucial in developing a plan to reduce exposure, as suggested by Dr. Vikas Mittal, a Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. Avoiding triggers where possible, such as pollen-dense areas or dust storms, and wearing an N95 mask can help minimize the risk of asthma attacks. Additionally, proactive measures like taking extra puffs of bronchodilators before exposure to unavoidable triggers and gradually increasing activity levels can assist in managing asthma effectively.