You may know what asthma is, but it’s important to really understand asthma and why it may be impacting your life. 

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease involving the airways in the lungs. These airways, also known as bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, then your airways are constantly inflamed. They become more swollen and the muscles around the airway tighten when something triggers your symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest Tightness

Forms of Asthma

Asthma can be caused by many different things. Forms of asthma include:

• Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction - This is also known as exercise-induced asthma. The symptoms of this form are closely related to physical activity and a person may develop asthma symptoms only when exercising. 
• Allergic Asthma - This is asthma that follows along with a person’s allergies.
• Occupational Asthma - This is caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust, or other harmful substances while on the job.
• Childhood Asthma - A majority of children who develop asthma usually do so before the age of five.

What is an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack usually includes coughing, wheezing, breathing troubles, and chest tightness. The attack will happen in your body’s airways. Less air gets in and out of your lungs, and mucous clogs up the airways. An asthma attack will happen after something triggers it, depending on the type of asthma that you have. Common triggers are:

• Tobacco Smoke
• Dust Mites
• Air Pollution
• Cockroach Allergen
• Pets
• Mold
• Smoke 
• Infections

It’s important that you understand what is causing your asthma and see your doctor today!