What is Asthma?

Asthma is a common condition involving the airways and produces symptoms related to difficulty breathing, such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing (rattle-like sound with each breath)

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways, making it difficult for air to pass through and for you to breathe normally. The lining becomes red and inflamed, sometimes with mucous and the airways become narrower. This makes breathing difficult and can lead to an asthma attack, which can sometimes be fatal.