Click here if the image above does not appear to be animated. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects more than 14 million people in the United States. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. While many people with asthma have problems only occasionally, others struggle with asthma every day. Doctors are not yet sure what causes asthma.
Research suggests that asthma is due to inflammation and that allergies can make symptoms worse.
If you have asthma, you and your doctor can develop a plan to manage your condition. It's important to remember that people with asthma can lead full and productive lives. Asthma that is not treated adequately, however, can be disabling and even life-threatening. Despite recent advances against asthma, the number of asthma deaths and asthma-related emergency room visits continues to rise.