What Do Asthma Lungs Look Like?

Asthma lungs are the lungs of someone who has asthma, a condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow. This makes it harder to breathe and can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. While the lungs themselves may look normal from the outside, the problem lies inside the airways that carry air in and out.

How does asthma affect the lungs?

In a person with asthma, the airways inside the lungs:

Become inflamed (swollen and irritated)
Produce more mucus (a sticky substance that can clog the airways)
Tighten up due to muscle spasms (called bronchoconstriction)

These changes make the airways narrower, making it harder for air to pass through, especially when breathing out.

What happens during an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, the airways become even more swollen and tight. The symptoms get worse, and it can be very difficult to breathe. In severe cases, the lungs may not get enough oxygen, which can be life-threatening.

Do asthma lungs work differently from healthy lungs?

Yes. In healthy lungs, air flows freely through wide, clear airways. In asthma lungs, the airways can react strongly to triggers like pollen, smoke, cold air, or exercise. This reaction causes swelling and tightness, making it hard to get air in and out.

Can asthma damage the lungs?

Most people with asthma, if treated properly, will not have long-term damage. However, if asthma is not well controlled, the constant inflammation can lead to changes in the airway walls, known as airway remodelling. This can make the lungs more sensitive and harder to treat over time [1][2].

How can you keep asthma lungs healthy?

To protect the lungs and prevent problems:

Take your preventer inhaler every day if prescribed
Carry your reliever inhaler in case of symptoms
Avoid knownasthma triggers
Follow your asthma action plan
Get regular asthma check-ups with your GP or asthma nurse

What do lungs look like during a scan or test?

Doctors can use lung function tests like spirometry to see how well your lungs are working. In some cases, a chest X-ray or CT scan might be done to rule out other conditions, but these usually don’t show

Sources

[1] Soremekun S, Heaney LG, Skinner D, et alAsthma exacerbations are associated with a decline in lung function: a longitudinal population-based studyThorax 2023;78:643-652.

[2] Dijkstra A, Vonk JM, Jongepier H, Koppelman GH, Schouten JP, ten Hacken NH, Timens W, Postma DS. Lung function decline in asthma: association with inhaled corticosteroids, smoking and sex. Thorax. 2006 Feb;61(2):105-10. doi: 10.1136/thx.2004.039271. Epub 2005 Nov 24. PMID: 16308336; PMCID: PMC2104585.