Types

• Types of asthma include exercise-induced asthma which is triggered by physical exertion or exercise, allergic-rhinitis that can be triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust and mold, cough-variant asthma, which is usually triggered by exercise and respiratory infections, and nighttime asthma where asthma symptoms are most common and dangerous during the night.
  
  

Identification

• Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and pressure or tightness in the chest.
  
  

Effects

• Asthma can cause permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes, and both oral and inhaled asthma medications can have side effects that should be discussed with your doctor.
  
  

Considerations

• Know the factors that can increase chances of developing asthma such as family history, frequent respiratory infections, being exposed to certain chemicals, air pollution, exposure to secondhand smoke, having a low birth weight or being overweight.
  
  

Treatment

• Asthma can be treated by learning to recognize symptoms of an asthma attack, controlling asthma triggers, taking medication as prescribed by a doctor and using a peak flow meter to measure lung function.