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Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects more than 300 million people around the world and 24+ million in the United States. If youâre curious about this prevalent condition, you might be wondering, âWhat is asthma?â and how does it occur? Asthma is characterized by recurrent respiratory symptoms â cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Asthma impacts people of all ages, but it is most common in male children and female adults.
Genetics and environmental factors, including early childhood exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, play a role in development of asthma.
Asthma can be triggered by breathing in allergens and irritants, such as pollen, mold, tobacco smoke, air pollution and dust mites. The immune system views these substances as a threat and produces chemicals called antibodies. The substances then cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to an asthma attack.
Asthma can be managed effectively with medications. Reducing exposure to triggers is key to managing the disease. It is important for patients to learn as much as possible about asthma, its triggers, and how itâs managed.
These quick videos provide an overview of asthma, including diagnosis, symptoms, medications and management strategies. If there are any videos youâd like to see in our âLearning Pathways: Info in Minutesâ series, please contact us at Allergy & Asthma Network.