Asthma is a common and serious medical condition affecting 1 in 20 Americans. It is a frequent cause of disability, interrupting school, work, and social life. Asthma is usually defined as a condition in which there is constriction of the air passage, which is partially or completely reversible with treatment. There is a strong genetic basis for asthma, and often several family members are affected. Our understanding of the condition recognizes the constriction or spasm of the airways which results in typical wheezing and shortness of breath, and also inflammation in which mucous and other substances can plug the airways.
Treatment is aimed at relieving both components of the condition, the spasm and the inflammation.
Allergies usually play a role in children, so allergy testing is often done to try and identify specific triggers in the environment that may be aggravating the condition. Dust, pollen, and animal hair are commonly identified from such testing. Specific cleaning methods for the house and air filters can help in these cases. Medications for asthma called bronchodilators relieve the constriction or spasm of the airway. Cromolyn is an anti-inflammatory medication, often helpful in children more than adults.