Treatment is generally needed to relieve this narrowing. Asthma accounts for 100 million days annually of restricted activity and 470,000 hospitalizations. More than 5,000 people die each year from asthma. Risk Factors Asthma can either start as a child or an adult. Common factors that are associated with asthma in children include a family history, allergies or a history of respiratory viral infections.
Allergies often are a factor in asthma that starts in adulthood.
Prevention Asthma episodes are best prevented by avoiding the causes. These are different for everyone and may change with time. Symptoms Common signs and symptoms of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness. Diagnosis Your healthcare provider can diagnose asthma by taking a history of the signs and symptoms noted above along with a family history. Treatments The largest component of living with asthma is to avoid the things that cause your asthma episodes.