Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell, which can lead to the production of extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and cause coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath.

For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a serious problem that interferes with daily activities and can lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

Asthma is a long-term condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it is important to work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust treatment as needed. Diagnosis and treatment in Switzerland will help establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment to control asthma symptoms.

What is an asthma attack?

When you breathe normally, the muscles around your airways are relaxed, allowing air to move easily and quietly. During an asthma attack, three things can happen:

  • Bronchospasm: the muscles around the airways constrict (tighten). When they tighten, your airways narrow. Air struggles to flow through the narrowed airways.
  • Inflammation: the lining of the airways swells. Swollen airways let less air into and out of the lungs.
  • Mucus production: during an attack, your body produces more mucus. This thick mucus blocks the airways.

When your airways narrow, you make a sound called wheezing as you breathe, the noise your airways make when you exhale. You may also hear an asthma attack referred to as an exacerbation or flare-up. This is the term used when your asthma is not under control.

What types of asthma are there?

Asthma is divided into types according to its cause and the severity of symptoms. Healthcare professionals classify asthma as:

  • Intermittent: this type of asthma comes and goes, so you may feel normal between asthma attacks.
  • Persistent: persistent asthma means you have symptoms most of the time. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Healthcare professionals base the severity of asthma on how often you have symptoms. They also take into account how well you can function during an attack.

Asthma has several causes:

  • Allergic: in some people, allergies can trigger an asthma attack. Allergens include things such as mould, pollen and pet dander.
  • Non-allergic: external factors can trigger an asthma flare-up. Exercise, stress, illness and the weather can all cause a flare-up.

Asthma can also be:

  • Adult-onset: this type of asthma begins after the age of 18.
  • Paediatric: this type, also called childhood asthma, often begins before the age of 5 and can occur in infants and young children. Children may outgrow asthma. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor before deciding whether your child needs an inhaler in case of an asthma attack. Your child’s doctor can help you understand the risks.

There are also the following types of asthma:

  • Exercise-induced asthma: this type is triggered by physical exertion and is also called exercise-induced bronchospasm.
  • Occupational asthma: this type occurs mainly in people who work with irritants.
  • Asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): this type occurs when you have both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both conditions make breathing difficult.