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Asthma is a chronic disease, which means once a person is diagnosed, typically in childhood, the disease is usually present through the rest of a person’s life. In the lungs, the air passages divide and get smaller, much like tree branches. The lining of these air passages is similar to the lining in the nose with muscular bands supporting the air passages. With asthma, the air passages of the lungs become inflamed -- somewhat like how sunburn inflames the skin. This inflammation causes the air passages to be irritated and the muscle bands to tighten. Irritation can be accompanied by asthma symptoms or an asthma episode (attack), depending on the severity of the triggers present.
What is an asthma episode (attack)?
An asthma episode happens when the air passages narrow after becoming irritated through exposure to one or more triggers, i.e., smoke, pollen, dust mites, mold, air pollution, etc. When the lungs are irritated, the lining of the air passages swells and fills with mucus, significantly narrowing air passages. At the same time, the muscles around the air passages tighten causing even more narrowing. During an asthma episode, one or more symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or tightness in the chest may be present. Asthma episodes, which can unfold suddenly or over several days, may be severe, moderate or mild depending on the trigger and the person’s sensitivity.
 Take the Asthma Control Test now to help you better control your asthma
The American Lung Association recommends everyone 12 years of age or older with asthma take the Asthma Control Test, no matter how well controlled you think your asthma is. Your answers to this five-question quiz will provide you a score that may help you and your health care providers determine if your treatment plan is working or if it may be time for a change.
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