What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. This makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. They tend to react strongly to certain substances that are breathed in.
When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to your lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower.
This chain reaction can result in asthma symptoms. Symptoms may include wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. These symptoms can happen each time the airways are irritated.
Sometimes symptoms are mild and go away on their own or after minimal treatment with asthma medication. Other times, symptoms continue to get worse. It’s important to treat symptoms when you first notice them. This will help prevent the symptoms from worsening and causing a severe asthma attack.
Other resources:
Vermont Department of Health;
http://www.healthvermont.gov/prevent/asthma/index.aspx
National resources:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute;
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ Asthma/Asthma_LivingWith.html
The Mayo Clinic;
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021