When the muscles contract, they tighten. This causes the bronchial tubes to narrow making it harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs. When inflammation occurs in an obvious place, like a finger joint, is easy and quick to recognize. You may see redness, swelling, pain and warmth at the joint. With asthma, this inflammation is not as obvious because it occurs inside your lungs.
Symptoms can occur any time during the day or night and vary from mild to severe.
These symptoms may be brief or may last for several days. Symptoms may not be recognized until they are severe. If these symptoms become severe they may threaten your life. So it is important to recognize and treat even mild symptoms.