Asthma FAQs

Have questions about asthma? You're not alone. below are some of the most common questions we hear at Banner health - along with answers to help you better understand, manage and live well with asthma.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and tightening in your airways, making it harder to breathe. It’s a reversible disease, meaning symptoms can come and go.

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by:

• Allergies – When allergens cause airway inflammation
• Non-allergic factors – When the body responds to chemical imbalances or internal inflammation

Learn more about what causes asthma.

Is there anything I can do to prevent asthma?

While you may not be able to prevent asthma entirely, there are ways to reduce your risk or keep it from getting worse:

• Treat environmental allergies with allergy shots or medications
• Avoid known asthma triggers
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Learn how to live with and manage asthma.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

Common asthma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Persistent coughing, especially at night

Explore more asthma symptoms and warning signs.

What’s the difference between allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma?

• Allergic asthma is triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander or mold.
• Non-allergic asthma is not caused by allergens and can occur in response to things like cold air, smoke or stress.

Both types are managed with similar treatments, but identifying your specific triggers is key.

Learn more about the types of asthma.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose asthma based on:

• Your symptom history
• Breathing tests (also called pulmonary function tests) that measure how well your lungs work

Learn how asthma is diagnosed and treated.

Can I outgrow asthma?

Yes. Some children do outgrow asthma as they get older. Others may have periods of no symptoms, then experience asthma again later in life.

What are some treatment options for asthma?

Asthma treatment depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. Options include:

• Avoiding triggers and allergens
• Daily control inhalers or oral medications
• Rescue inhalers for quick relief
• Injectable or biologic therapies for severe cases

It’s important to work with your doctor to make sure your asthma is properly diagnosed and treated - not mistaken for another respiratory condition.

Learn more about asthma treatment options.

Still have questions?

Make an appointment with a Banner Health asthma specialist.