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 Asthma (AZ-muh) is a chronic disease that affects your airways, which are the tubes that
carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are
inflamed (swollen). The inflammation (IN-fla-MAY-shun) makes the airways very sensitive,
and they tend to react strongly to things to which you are allergic or find irritating. When the
airways react, they get narrower and less air flows through to your lung tissues. This causes
symptoms like wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), coughing, chest tightness, and
trouble breathing.
In an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten up, making
the airway openings narrower so less air can flow through. Inflammation increases and the
airways become more swollen and narrow. Cells in the airways also make more mucus than
usual. This extra mucus also narrows the airways. These changes cause the symptoms of
asthma and make it harder to breathe. Asthma attacks are not all the same-some are worse
than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen
gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma
attacks.
If you have asthma, you should see your doctor regularly. You will need to learn what
things cause your asthma symptoms to worsen and how to avoid them. Your doctor will
also prescribe medicines to keep your asthma under control.
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