What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood.

In the United States, more than 25 million people are known to have asthma. About 7 million of these people are children.

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Taking an active role to control your asthma involves:

Working with your doctor to treat other conditions that can interfere with asthma management.

Avoiding things that worsen your asthma (asthma triggers). However, one trigger you should not avoid is physical activity. Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Talk with your doctor about medicines that can help you stay active.

Work with your doctor and other health care providers to create and follow an asthma action plan.