Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs. The airways can become swollen, narrow, and sensitive, making breathing harder during flares.
Common symptoms
Asthma may cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be mild, occasional, frequent, or severe depending on the person.
Common triggers
Triggers can include respiratory infections, exercise, smoke, air pollution, dust mites, pollen, pets, mold, cold air, stress, or workplace exposures.
Severe trouble breathing, blue lips, confusion, or symptoms that do not improve with prescribed rescue medicine require urgent medical care.