1. ASTHMA CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND
TREATMENTS
Tomifumi Onishi MD

2. INTRODUCTION
 After graduating from medical school, Tomifumi Onishi, MD,
focused his practice on general internal medicine. As a general
internist, Dr. Tomifumi Onishi is trained to diagnose and treat
patients suffering from a wide variety of health problems, both
chronic and acute. One such illness commonly treated by general
internists is asthma.
Asthma occurs when the airways carrying oxygen to the lungs
become inflamed, causing them to swell, narrow, and fill with
mucus, making it even more difficult for air to enter the lungs.
When this happens, asthma sufferers may experience an asthma
attack, characterized by chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and
difficulty breathing. The persistence of these symptoms in asthma
sufferers may range from intermittent (occurring less than twice a
week) to severe (occurring throughout the day).

3. ASTHMA
 Not much is known about what causes asthma, but it is believed to be
related to genetics and environmental factors. The symptoms of asthma
are caused by “asthma triggers,” which might be different for each
asthma sufferer. Common triggers include exercise, tobacco smoke,
mold and outdoor irritants, aerosols and perfumes, and cold, dry
weather.
Asthma is not curable, but it can be controlled. Treatment options for
asthma may depend upon the severity of the condition. Anti-
inflammatory drugs like steroids can help reduce the swelling and mucus
in the airways that lead to asthma symptoms. Asthma inhalers and
bronchodilators may provide immediate relief by supplying medicine
directly to the lungs. Nebulizers work similarly, changing medication from
a liquid to a mist, making it even easier to inhale into the lungs by using
a mask or mouthpiece. Asthma sufferers who experience a serious
attack may be prescribed oral corticosteroids. These are not a safe long-
term treatment option, and patients should be monitored closely to avoid
side effects.