Asthma is a chronic disease involving the airways in the lungs. These airways, or

bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of the lungs.

If you have asthma your airways are always inflamed. They become even more swollen

and the muscles around the airways can tighten when something triggers your symptoms.

This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, causing symptoms such as

coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness.

For many asthma sufferers, timing of these symptoms is closely related to physical

activity. And, some otherwise healthy people can develop asthma symptoms only when

exercising. This is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) , or exercise-

induced asthma (EIA). Staying active is an important way to stay healthy, so asthma

shouldn't keep you on the sidelines. Your physician can develop a management plan to

keep your symptoms under control before, during and after physical activity.

People with a family history of allergies or asthma are more prone to developing asthma.

Many people with asthma also have allergies . This is called allergic asthma .

Occupational asthma  is caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust or other potentially

harmful substances while on the job.

Childhood asthma  impacts millions of children and their families. In fact, the majority of

children who develop asthma do so before the age of five.

There is no cure for asthma, but once it is properly diagnosed and a treatment plan is in

place you will be able to manage your condition, and your quality of life will improve.

An allergist / immunologist   is the best qualified physician in diagnosing and treating

asthma. With the help of your allergist, you can take control of your condition and

participate in normal activities.

Asthma Information

If you frequently experience shortness of breath or you hear a whistling or wheezy sound in

your chest when you breathe, you may have asthma—a chronic condition that causes

inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, the passageways that allow air to enter

and leave the lungs.

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Asthma SymptomsAsthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs.

Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

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Asthma TreatmentEffective treatment of allergic asthma includes identifying and avoiding allergens that trigger

symptoms, using drug therapies and developing an emergency action plan for severe

attacks.

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Who has Asthma and Why?If you frequently experience shortness of breath or you hear a whistling or wheezing sound

in your chest when you breathe, you may have asthma. Asthma symptoms affect an

estimated 26 million Americans.

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Occupational AsthmaIf you experience wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath at work, you

may have occupational asthma. People with this condition usually work around chemical

fumes, dust or other irritants in the air.

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Exercise Induced AsthmaIf you start wheezing or coughing during exercise, or if physical exertion makes it difficult for

you to breathe, you may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, or EIB.

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Asthma & Other ConditionsAsthma can complicate other medical conditions. Find out how to manage your asthma

during illness or pregnancy.

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COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a collection of lung diseases that cause

breathing problems and airflow obstruction. Included in this group of diseases are refractory

(severe) asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

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Asthma ScreeningNo one with asthma or allergies needs to suffer. An allergist — an expert at diagnosing and

treating asthma and allergies — can help you determine if you are at risk for asthma or help

you find the cause of allergy symptoms.

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