Affecting the lives of over 22 million people, asthma affects people of all ages. This lung disease most often appears in childhood.
The exact cause of asthma isn’t known. Researchers think some genetic and environmental factors interact to cause asthma, most often early in life. These factors include:

• An inherited tendency to develop allergies
• Parents who have asthma
• Certain respiratory infections during childhood
• Contact with some airborne allergens; such as dust, fur, cockroaches, mold and pollen, or exposure to some viral infections in infancy or in early childhood when the immune system is developing.

Asthma sufferers have swollen airways or internal lung walls having excess production of mucus that makes

difficult breathing. Indications may include:

• Chest pains or chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Breathing problems/shortness of breath.

Asthma can’t be cured. Even when you feel fine, you still have the disease and it can flare up at any time.

However, with today’s knowledge and treatments, most people who have asthma are able to manage the disease. They have few, if any, symptoms. They can live normal, active lives and sleep through the night without interruption from asthma.
You can take an active role in managing your asthma. For successful, thorough, and ongoing treatment, build strong partnerships with your doctor and other health care providers.