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Asthma is a chronic condition in the airways of your lungs, and it has two main
components—constriction, the tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, and inflammation, the swelling
and irritation of the airways. Constriction and inflammation cause narrowing
of the airways, which may result in symptoms
such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Furthermore,
there is increasing evidence that, if left untreated, asthma can cause long-term
loss of lung function.
When you have asthma and are exposed to a trigger,
the airways leading to the lungs become more inflamed or swollen than usual, making
it harder for you to breathe. The airways also get smaller due to a tightening
of the muscles surrounding the airways. Finally, the airways can become congested due to a build-up
of mucus.
Various triggers can cause constriction and inflammation to
occur in your airways, resulting in a flare-up of your asthma symptoms. These
triggers may include allergies, infections, and strong odors or fumes that you
may come in contact with at your home or office. Once you are exposed to a trigger
and have a reaction, your airways also become more sensitive to other triggers.
So, it's important to manage your asthma every day—even
when you are not having a lot of symptoms.
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