An oversensitivity of the lungs and airways to certain triggers causes recurrent breathing problems, wheezing, and coughing, inflammation and clogging. Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease.

Many people live with the disease for years without knowing they have it, since it resembles respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, allergic reactions or other respiratory problems. A combination of medical history, physical examination, measuring how much air a person can expel from his or her lungs, chest x-rays, and blood or allergy tests can diagnose a patient for having asthma.

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease for which there is no cure, although some people stop having asthma attacks as they get older. However, patients can learn ways to manage attacks and learn to identify and avoid the things that trigger their asthma. It can also be controlled by taking medications to prevent or relieve symptoms.

Some asthma sufferers describe a feeling of suffocation and overpowering tightness in the chest and throat. A common description of an asthma attack (episode) is that it feels like taking deep breaths of very cold air. Others say that it is like taking a deep breath, holding it, and then, without exhaling, trying to inhale a second deep breath on top of the first. The effort required to breathe becomes progressively greater, and the act of breathing may become painful. The patient may cough and wheeze, producing a gasping or whistling sound. In some people strong emotions, anxiety or extreme exercise can trigger asthma episodes.

In an asthma episode, the muscles surrounding the airways in the lungs constrict, becoming swollen and inflamed, narrowing the passage for air. The membranes lining these airways begin to secrete extra mucus, which further blocks the air passages.

There are gold medal winners having asthma, but it is generally advisable to consult a physician before beginning any exercise program. Most asthma patients can live a full and active life. Cold air and possibly seasons with lots of pollen in the air should be avoided. Exercise-induced asthma symptoms may be prevented by using an inhaled bronchodilator before exercise.