Asthma Explained: Causes, Daily Management, and Supporting Loved Ones
September 5, 2025Breathe Easier with Knowledge, Tools, and Compassion
Asthma is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects how a person breathes and how they live. Whether you or someone you love is living with asthma, understanding the condition is the first step toward better control, fewer flare-ups, and a fuller life.
At St. Mary’s Health Care System, we believe that knowledge leads to confidence, and confidence leads to better health. Here’s what to know about asthma, how to manage it day-to-day, and how to support the people you care about.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways in your lungs to become inflamed, narrowed, or filled with extra mucus, making it hard to breathe. It often comes and goes in “flare-ups” or “attacks,” which can range from mild to life-threatening.
Asthma can affect:
- Children and adults
- People with allergies, eczema, or a family history of asthma
- Individuals exposed to long-term irritants (like tobacco smoke or air pollution)
There is no cure, but with the right care, asthma can be well-managed, often with little disruption to daily life.
What Causes Asthma?
Asthma is triggered by a variety of environmental and internal factors, including:
- Common asthma triggers include:
- Dust, pollen, or pet dander
- Smoke or strong smells
- Cold air or sudden weather changes
- Exercise (especially in cold weather)
- Respiratory infections like colds or the flu
- Stress or strong emotions
Each person’s triggers are different, which is why personalized care and self-awareness are so important.
What Are the Symptoms of Asthma?
Symptoms may vary, but common signs include:
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Persistent coughing, especially at night or early morning
- Increased symptoms during illness or physical activity
If symptoms are frequent or worsen quickly, it could be a sign of poor asthma control and a time to speak with your provider.
How Is Asthma Treated?
Asthma treatment plans are highly individualized, often including a combination of:
1. Quick-relief medications (rescue inhalers)
Used during asthma attacks or before known triggers (like exercise) to open airways quickly.
2. Long-term control medications
Taken daily to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups. These may include corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, or combination inhalers.
3. Allergy treatment or immunotherapy
If your asthma is linked to allergies, controlling those allergies may also help your asthma.
Living Fully with Asthma
Asthma doesn’t have to limit your life. With consistent care and the right tools, most people can exercise, travel, work, and enjoy family life with confidence.
Daily Tips for Managing Asthma:
- Take all medications as prescribed, even when feeling well
- Keep your inhaler nearby at all times
- Know and avoid your personal triggers
- Monitor air quality and avoid outdoor activity on poor air days
- Use an air purifier and keep your home free of dust and smoke
- Get your flu and COVID vaccines to reduce the risk of respiratory illness
If you or your child has asthma, ask your provider about creating an Asthma Action Plan, a written guide for recognizing symptoms and knowing exactly what steps to take.
How to Support a Loved One with Asthma
Being a caring friend or family member makes a big difference.
You can help by:
- Learning about their triggers and how to help during an attack
- Encouraging them to take their medications regularly
- Attending appointments if they need support
- Keeping your home or shared spaces free of smoke or irritants
- Staying calm and reassuring during flare-ups
For parents of children with asthma, communication with teachers, coaches, and caregivers is key to ensuring consistent care throughout the day.
Find Support from a Trusted Provider
Asthma is manageable with the right care and education. Whether you’re looking to confirm a diagnosis, create an action plan, or improve your symptoms, your primary care provider can help you breathe easier.
Start your journey to better breathing at one of our trusted locations:
- Athens Internal Medicine Associates – Athens
- Community Internal Medicine of Athens – Athens
- Georgia Family Medicine – Watkinsville
- Good Samaritan Primary Care – Greater Greene County area
- Sacred Heart Primary Care – Greater Franklin County area
- St. Mary's Family Medicine – Bogart
- St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates – Watkinsville/Oconee
- St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates on Chase – North Athens/Jackson/Madison