Asthma symptoms increase in spring, making it especially important for people with the lung disease to be aware of triggers and risk factors, an expert says.

“Asthma is a lifelong disease that causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing,” said Dr. Linda Rogers, director of the clinical asthma program at Mount Sinai-National Jewish Health Respiratory Institute, in New York City.

“While there is no cure for asthma, a personalized care plan including appropriate medications and education on triggers and proper care techniques can prevent attacks from occurring, helping patients lead a full and active life,” she said in a Mount Sinai news release.

An asthma attack can cause airways to swell, which constricts airflow and results in difficulty breathing. Common asthma triggers include tobacco smoke, outdoor air pollution, dust mites, pet dander, idling cars, cockroach allergen and mold.

Asthma affects 25 million Americans, or 8 percent of the nation’s population, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

More information

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has more about asthma.

Source: HealthDay