Asthma is a lung disease that causes coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways become inflamed making it harder to breathe. 22 million people in the United States suffer from asthma, of which 6 million are chidren.

Asthma is more prevalent in the US is higher than in most other countries in the world. Asthma is also more common among low-income populations and, surprisingly, amount athletes. Wikipedia comments, “One survey of participants in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., showed that 15% had been diagnosed with asthma, and that 10% were on asthma medication.”

When you have asthma, your lungs are swollen and sensitive and some substances, like smoke, can cause severe reactions. Muscles tighten when airways react causing the airways to narrow and less air to get to the lungs. In addition, the airways will also make more mucus than normal, which exacerbates the problem.

Severe asthma attacks require emergency care and even death in extreme cases.

For more information, go to:

http://health.nih.gov/topic/Asthma