A chronic respiratory disease characterized by variable symptoms and reversible or variable narrowing of the airways caused by airway inflammation and increased airway responsiveness.
Asthma causes episodes of symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms and airflow limitation can vary over time and may be triggered by factors such as allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, smoke, cold air, or other irritants.
Asthma can be controlled with appropriate treatment, but airway inflammation and symptoms may recur. Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), another chronic respiratory disease involving airflow limitation, but with different typical patterns, causes, and disease mechanisms.
- Allergy: allergies can trigger asthma in some people, but asthma is not itself an allergy.
SEE ALSO
