1 of 7 / Overview
View AllWhat Is Asthma?
Read about this increasingly common breathing problem that affects adults, teens, and kids alike.
Asthma FAQ
What does asthma feel like? Can sex trigger asthma? Why doesn't my asthma inhaler work? Get answers to common asthma questions.
Adult-Onset Asthma
Learn more about adult-onset asthma and how you can treat the symptoms to breathe easily.
Childhood Asthma
Discover the causes of childhood asthma and what you can do to prevent asthma attacks.
2 of 7 / Causes & Prevention
View AllWhat Causes Asthma?
What makes you wheeze or cough? Learning more about asthma triggers can help you reduce the chances of having an asthma attack.
Asthma Risk Factors: Who Gets Asthma?
Asthma can happen to anyone without any risk factors, but it is less likely if there are no risk factors present.
Allergies That Trigger Asthma
Most people with asthma also have allergies that can make them sneeze, cough, itch, and wheeze.
Food Allergies as an Asthma Trigger
Discover which foods are most likely to cause a serious breathing problem, and take steps to avoid these asthma triggers.
3 of 7 / Symptoms & Types
View AllSymptoms of Asthma
Signs of asthma may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pressure. But not everyone has the same symptoms.
Hypoxia and Hypoxemia
Hypoxemia (low oxygen in your blood) can cause hypoxia (low oxygen in your tissues). Read more about this serious condition.
Types of Asthma
Do you know about the different types of asthma? Learn about these types so you can seek effective treatment.
Allergic Asthma
The same allergens that give some people sneezing fits and watery eyes can cause an asthma attack in others.
4 of 7 / Tests & Diagnosis
View AllAsthma Tests & Diagnosis
Can't catch your breath? Cough frequently at nighttime? Ask your doctor to see if you might have asthma.
Lung Function Tests for Asthma Diagnosis
To diagnose asthma or other lung problems, your doctor may perform lung function or pulmonary function tests.
What Do Asthma Specialists Do?
It's important to carefully select an asthma specialist -- a doctor who understands respiratory problems and treats asthma
5 of 7 / Treatment
View AllAsthma Treatment Options
Early and aggressive asthma treatment is key to relieving symptoms and preventing asthma attacks.
Asthma Medications
Asthma medication can work quickly to stop coughing and wheezing. Learn more about asthma drugs and methods for taking them.
Asthma Inhalers
Wonder if you’re using your asthma inhaler the right way? Do you puff and breathe, or breathe and puff?
When and How to Use an Inhaler
What's the difference between a control inhaler and a rescue inhaler? Do you need both? Make sure you’re using them correctly.
6 of 7 / Living With
View AllAsthma Diet Tips
While there's no asthma diet, there are guidelines for eating well with asthma.
Exercising With Asthma
Discover which forms of exercise are best for people with asthma and how to control asthma while exercising.
Living with Asthma: Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Living with asthma isn't easy, but there are ways to decrease your stress and find support.
Developing an Asthma Action Plan
Create an asthma action plan that lays out symptoms to look for and steps to take to get your child’s breathing under control.
7 of 7 / Support & Resources
View AllSuggested Reads about Asthma
Smog Cities
Almost half of Americans breathe dirty air. Does your city make the list of the nation’s cleanest cities -- or the smoggiest? WebMD shows this year’s winners and losers; some of them may surprise you.
Sneaky Allergy and Asthma Triggers
You know pollen and pet dander can set off asthma and allergy problems, but what are some of the more surprising triggers?
How to Breathe Better at Home
Allergens, dust, and chemicals in your home can make you more sneezy and wheezy. Find out from this WebMD slideshow what you can do to breathe easier.
Exercise Safely With Severe Asthma
Just because you have severe asthma doesn't mean you can't exercise. WebMD describes some ways you can work out safely.
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