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definition of asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition in your lungs that 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 may 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, and they get "stuffed up" due to a build-up
of mucus.
Several triggers can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up, and
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.
Airway inflammation may always be there—even when you are not having a lot
of symptoms.
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