Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult.
The airways through which air travels within your lungs, in asthma patients are often red, swollen or inflamed. In addition, environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, chemicals or pet dander can bring about asthma attacks (also known as asthma flare-ups and asthma episodes). While breathing is an effort for asthma patients under normal conditions, an environmental trigger – even cold temperature could be a culprit! – causes the airways to narrow even more, stimulates excess mucus production and may cause the muscles surrounding airways to tighten, making breathing nearly impossible.
Asthma is chronic and incurable. It can be serious and even life-threatening. Still, provided your asthma is well managed, it is possible to live a normal life with asthma.
The cause of asthma is unknown; it is believed that genetics, environment, a history of lung infections and allergies are among contributing factors.
Learn more about asthma by watching the videos below.