The simple description of asthma is that it is a condition that affects the bronchioles in the lungs. Every now and again these tiny airways that are the bronchioles constrict in individuals who have asthma, and it is this that causes the typical symptoms of the condition. How much these tiny airways narrow, and the duration of each “attack” varies a great deal.

Asthma is actually caused by an inflammation in the bronchioles but it hasn’t been recognized up to now why this actually happens. It is this inflammation that affects the muscles that surround the bronchioles and causes them to constrict. This constriction then makes it difficult for air to enter and leave the lungs.

Asthma

Asthma can manifest itself at any age, but usually starts during childhood. In western society, an average of one in ten children and one in twenty adults suffer from asthma. Although the condition does run in families, there are still plenty of people who have it while no other members of their family are affected.

The most common types of symptoms suffered are coughing and wheezing accompanied by breathlessness and a tightening of the chest. These symptoms can also vary from mild to severe in different individuals.
Nearly all asthma sufferers are treated with inhalers and these are small devices that deliver tiny doses of drugs directly into the airways, which relieves irritation in turn helping the airways to expand, making it easier to breathe.