what is asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms of asthma can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed with the right treatment. The most common treatment is to use an inhaler, which delivers medication directly to the lungs. Inhalers can help control the disease and enable people with asthma to enjoy a normal, active life. Asthma attacks can be triggered by substances that irritate the airways, such as dust, tobacco smoke, or even laughing. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Anyone can develop asthma at any age, but people with allergies or people exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop asthma.