May is Asthma Awareness Month

Asthma is a serious medical condition that many of us are affected by in some way.  Although we may not have asthma ourselves, many of us know family or friends with the disease.  For this reason, and because there is no cure, is is important for all of us to recognize asthma triggers, where the triggers are found and what we can do to reduce the impact of each trigger on those with asthma.  Please check back often throughout the month of May for more information on asthma triggers.

What is Asthma?
 Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that causes airways to become inflamed and narrow.  Narrow airways may lead to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.  Asthma most often starts during childhood, but it may affect people of all ages. 

Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. Figure B shows a cross-section of a normal airway. Figure C shows a cross-section of an airway during asthma symptoms.

Note: medical professionals are a good resource to help diagnose and treat asthma.


Image from: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute