Causes

, Symptoms and Treatments of Asthma Asthma is a common lung disease that affects people of all ages, and is characterized by difficulty breathing due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Triggers of asthma can be environmental factors such as air pollution, weather changes, and irritants in the air such as dust, pollen, and mold, as well as events such as exertion, emotional stress and colds/flu. In order to treat symptoms and prevent attacks, people with asthma may need to use medicines, lifestyle modifications and other therapies. Many of these treatments seek to reduce inflammation, control airway spasms, and reduce the person’s sensitivity to triggers. Depending on the severity of the condition, asthma can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.