Understanding Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes episodes of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening if not properly managed. Sudden flare-ups, known as asthma attacks, occur when muscle tightening and inflammation narrow the airways causing difficulties in breathing, Although there is no cure for asthma, it is highly manageable with the right treatment and tools.
At Monaghan Medical, we are committed to supporting patients living with asthma by providing high-quality respiratory products that can help monitor and treat the symptoms of asthma to allow for better breathing and reduce the risk of severe symptoms.
Asthma in the United States
Asthma affects nearly 28 million people across the United States – approximately 1 in 12 individuals. The disease causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. This happens because the muscles surrounding the airways tighten and produce extra mucus which further restricts the airflow in and out of the lungs. While asthma is one of the most common and costly chronic conditions in the U.S., it can be successfully managed with the right care plan.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) tracks national asthma data including emergency room visits, mortality rates, and missed work or school days due to asthma-related complications. According to the AAFA and CDC:
Adult Statistics
- Nearly 23 million U.S. adults live with asthma
- Asthma is most prevalent among Black adults
- Women are more likely to have asthma than men (11.0% vs. 6.8%)
Child Statistics (<18 Years of Age)
- 4.9 million children under age 18 currently have asthma
- Non-Hispanic Black children are more than twice as likely to have asthma compared to White children
- Asthma is more common in male children (8.4%) than female children (5.5%)
Learn more from the CDC’s Asthma Data and Surveillance.
The Anatomy of Asthma
Asthma is not the same for everyone. Some individuals may only experience symptoms during allergy season, while others may have persistent daily issues. Understanding how asthma affects the lungs is the first step toward effective management.
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
An asthma attack is a temporary worsening of asthma symptoms and occurs when the airways become severely narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. During an attack, several things can be happening in the lungs all at the same time. The muscles surrounding the airways tighten in a process called bronchospasm or bronchoconstriction limiting the amount of air moving in and out of the lungs. The lining of the airways becomes irritated and inflamed or swollen further restricting airflow. At the same time, the body often produces excess mucus during an asthma attack, which can clog the already-narrowed air passages. These changes combine to create the familiar symptoms of an asthma attack: coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
The severity of an asthma attack can vary. For some, symptoms may be mild and short-lived, while for others they can escalate quickly and become life-threatening. If symptoms do not improve after using a quick-relief inhaler, or if breathing becomes extremely difficult, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention right away. Tools like a valved holding chamber can help ensure medication is delivered effectively during an attack, particularly for children, older adults, or those with limited coordination. Knowing what’s happening inside your lungs and how to respond quickly can make a critical difference in preventing complications and restoring normal breathing.
Asthma Triggers
Asthma symptoms are frequently triggered by specific environmental or physical factors and understanding what sets off your symptoms is a critical part of managing the disease. Common allergens—such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander—can cause inflammation in the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For many people, irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, strong cleaning agents, or perfumes may also provoke a reaction. Viral respiratory infections, including colds and the flu, are among the leading causes of asthma flare-ups, especially in children and older adults. In some individuals, exercise—particularly in cold, dry air—can trigger a condition known as exercise-induced bronchospasm. Even emotional stress or sudden weather changes can play a role in worsening asthma symptoms.
Identifying your personal asthma triggers takes time and attention. Keeping a symptom diary can help you track when and where your asthma worsens, which makes it easier to recognize patterns and avoid high-risk environments. If your symptoms tend to spike during pollen season, for example, staying indoors during high pollen count days and using air purifiers at home may help.
For those with exercise-induced asthma, pretreating with a short-acting bronchodilator using a valved holding chamber like the AEROCHAMBER2GO® before physical activity can improve medication delivery and help prevent symptoms.
In addition, patients with frequent respiratory infections may benefit from using a device like the AEROECLIPSE® II BAN® Nebulizer, which ensures targeted delivery of medications during acute illness. If you’re unsure what your specific triggers are, talk with your healthcare provider about allergy testing, pulmonary function testing, or peak flow monitoring to better understand your asthma profile. Taking these steps not only helps you avoid flare-ups but also supports a more personalized and effective treatment plan.
Who Is at Risk for Asthma?
Asthma affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but some groups are at higher risk. In 2021:
- 38.7% of children with asthma reported at least one asthma attack
- Approximately 63.1% of children under age 5 experienced an attack
- 39.6% of adults with asthma had at least one attack
These numbers highlight the importance of early diagnosis, ongoing care, and accessible treatment plans to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms.
Is Asthma Preventable?
There is no known way to prevent asthma from developing, but asthma attacks and complications are largely preventable. By using tools like an Asthma Action Plan, patients can monitor symptoms, adjust medications, and know when to seek emergency care.
How Asthma Is Diagnosed
Asthma is typically diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination, and breathing tests such as:
- Spirometry: Measures how much and how quickly you can breathe air out
- Peak Flow Monitoring: Detects changes in lung function over time
- Methacholine Challenge Test: Confirms airway sensitivity
If you’ve been experiencing recurring coughing or shortness of breath, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.
Treatment and Management: Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively through medication, lifestyle changes, and patient education.
Medications: Asthma treatment includes two main types of medication:
- Long-term control medications: Reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms
- Quick-relief (rescue) medications: Relax airway muscles during an asthma attack
Visit our AEROCHAMBER PLUS® FLOW-VU® Valved Holding Chamber and AEROECLIPSE® II BAN Nebulizer pages to learn how Monaghan Medical’s products support effective medication delivery.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Managing asthma effectively often requires more than medication alone — it also involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits that support long-term respiratory health. One of the most important steps is to identify and avoid personal asthma triggers, such as allergens, smoke, or environmental pollutants. Regular monitoring of your condition using tools like a peak flow meter can help detect early signs of worsening asthma before symptoms become severe.
Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and physical activity can also reduce the strain on your lungs, while staying up to date on vaccinations — including annual flu shots and pneumonia vaccines — can help prevent respiratory infections that may trigger asthma flare-ups. Above all, it’s essential to follow your prescribed regimen and monitor your asthma action zones consistently. Communicate regularly with your healthcare provider about any changes in symptoms or treatment needs. By taking a proactive, informed approach, many people with asthma can significantly reduce their risk of emergency care and lead full, active lives.
Support and Resources
Effective asthma care is a team effort with a supportive community. Monaghan Medical works alongside patients and providers to deliver tools that help reduce hospital visits and improve quality of life. For more guidance, visit:
Living Well with Asthma
Millions of people live full, active lives with asthma. The key is proactive management, guided by a trusted healthcare team and supported by effective devices and medications. If you or a loved one is living with asthma, explore the full range of Monaghan Medical asthma products and talk to your provider about creating or updating your asthma action plan.
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
For questions about the clinical references, therapeutic claims, or product usage described herein, please contact Monaghan Medical Corporation.
