Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease. Although everyone's airways react to irritants, the overly sensitive airways of the asthma patient exhibit an exaggerated response. This exaggerated response ultimately leads to inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the airways that causes limited airflow. The result is periodic attacks of coughing, wheezing-high pitched, whistle-like breathing noises that signify tight airways-and other breathing difficulties. Asthma can range from a mildly bothersome annoyance to a life-threatening medical emergency.