There is no cure for asthma, although symptoms sometimes improve over time. With proper self management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

The complications of asthma can be severe. Some include:

• Death
• Decreased ability to exercise and take part in other activities
• Lack of sleep due to nighttime symptoms
• Permanent changes in the function of the lungs
• Persistent cough
• Trouble breathing that requires breathing assistance (ventilator)

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if asthma symptoms develop.

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if:

• An asthma attack requires more medication than recommended
• Symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
• You have shortness of breath while talking
• Your peak flow measurement is 50% - 80% of your personal best

Go to the emergency room if the following symptoms occur:

• Drowsiness or confusion
• Severe shortness of breath at rest
• A peak flow measurement is less than 50% of your personal best
• Severe chest pain
• Bluish color to the lips and face
• Extreme difficulty breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath

Images

Spirometry

Asthmatic bronchiole and normal bronchiole

Lungs

Peak flow meter

Asthma

Respiratory system

Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole

Exercise-induced asthma

Common asthma triggers

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Review Date: 05/01/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)