Medical Encyclopaedia › Bronchial asthma (short definition)
In brief: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. The bronchi are hypersensitive and narrow in episodes, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing.
Forms and triggers
In allergic asthma, pollen, house dust mites, animal dander or moulds trigger the symptoms; it often begins in childhood. Non-allergic asthma occurs more frequently in adulthood and is triggered, for example, by infections, cold, exertion, smoke or certain painkillers. Mixed forms are common.
Diagnosis
In addition to the medical history, the lung function test is central: a typical finding is narrowing of the airways that improves significantly after inhaling a bronchodilator. Allergy tests, measurement of nitric oxide in exhaled air and peak-flow diaries complement the diagnosis.
Treatment
Asthma is treated in steps. For most of those affected, the basis is an inhaled corticosteroid, which dampens the inflammation, combined with a long-acting bronchodilator if necessary. A reliever inhaler is available for acute symptoms. In severe asthma, biologics against certain inflammatory messengers may be considered. The correct inhalation technique, regular use and a written emergency plan are crucial.
Taking action yourself
Avoiding triggers, not smoking, exercising regularly and attending asthma education programmes improve control. Vaccinations against flu, pneumococci and COVID-19 are recommended.
Emergency
In the case of severe shortness of breath, being able to speak only in single words, bluish lips or no improvement after using the reliever inhaler, call the emergency number (112 in Europe) immediately.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Bronchi, Salbutamol, Inhaler, Corticosteroids, Spirometry, Peak-flow measurement, Allergy, Hay fever, Allergen immunotherapy
Sources
- Bundesärztekammer, KBV, AWMF: Nationale VersorgungsLeitlinie Asthma, leitlinien.de
- Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA): Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.