Symptoms vary among different people.
Recognize and treat even mild symptoms, since they may be an early sign of a more serious asthma episode. Changes in the airways Inflammation of the lining of the airways is one of the universal features of asthma. The airway lining swells and narrows, making breathing more difficult. Inflammation and swelling can last for weeks after an asthma episode. Medications such as inhaled steroids or cromolyn are often used to reduce or prevent inflammation.