Definition of Asthma
Asthma, a chronic lung condition, occurs when the muscles around the airways constrict and the airways become inflamed.
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Incidence
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The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that 20 million Americans have asthma. Of these, 5 million are children. The numbers are increasing. In the last 15 years, the incidence has increased by over 50 percent.
Symptoms
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An asthma patient experiences difficulty breathing. This can include tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.
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What Triggers Asthma?
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Symptoms may be set off by strong odors, allergies, infections, cold air and exercise.
Effects of Chronic Symptoms
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Repeated bouts of irritation and inflammation can result in an asthmatic's airways becoming narrowed. This is what makes it more difficult to breathe.
Goal of Treatment
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Treatment is designed to help you manage chronic asthma symptoms so that you can live as normally as possible. If you don't get proper treatment, you may suffer loss of lung function over time.
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