The person is exposed to cold air or an irritating stimulant while he or she is walking on a treadmill. If a spasm of the airways occurs, the diagnosis of asthma can be made. Asthma is characterized by periodic flare-ups. Over many years, this pattern can continue without the person getting dramatically worse. In some people, asthma flare-ups increase as they get older.
Some children outgrow asthma.
Sometimes symptoms stop and asthma disappears as they grow up. Occasionally, an adult who never had asthma before can get asthma after severe bronchitis or pneumonia . This condition can last for a year or two and then gradually go away completely. Asthma is not contagious and poses no risk to others. Avoiding known irritants is key to controlling asthma.