What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease (one that cannot be cured).

How Do I know if my child has asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease that usually presents with coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and at times wheezing (whistling sounds from the chest). The symptoms that present are due to a change in the breathing tubes that cause less air to pass. Allergies to molds, pollens, pet dander, and dust mites/dust can trigger asthma and it is important to avoid allergic triggers as much as possible. Exercise, Upper Respiratory Infections, Irritants such as cigarette smoke and odors, and emotional outbursts (laughing and crying) can also trigger the airway to change and cause and asthma episode to occur.

The triggers (allergic and non-allergic) change the airway to have the bronchial muscles around the breathing tube to tighten. The membranes and lining inside the breathing tubes swell and copious mucus clogs or plugs the airway. This narrows the tubes and creates the symptoms that are known for asthma.