Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell, causing extra mucus to form. This can make breathing difficult and cause coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing), and shortness of breath.
Asthma is a minor annoyance for some people. For others, it can be a major issue that disrupts daily activities and may result in a life-threatening asthma attack.
Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed. Because asthma symptoms can change over time, it's critical that you work with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.
Asthma, also known as bronchial asthma, is a respiratory disease. It's a chronic (ongoing) condition, which means it won't go away and requires ongoing medical care.
Asthma currently affects over 25 million people in the United States. This figure includes over 5 million children. If you don't get treatment for your asthma, it can be fatal.
Asthma is classified based on the cause and severity of symptoms. Asthma is defined by healthcare providers as:
Intermittent asthma: This type of asthma comes and goes, allowing you to feel normal in between asthma attacks.
Persistent asthma means that you have symptoms almost all of the time. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The frequency with which you experience symptoms determines the severity of your asthma. They also take into account how well you can perform tasks during an attack.
