What Is Asthma?
Asthma (AZ-ma) is a chronic lung disease that causes the airways through the lungs to narrow and swell making it hard to breathe. Constriction and inflammation in the airways result in symptoms such as, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and even excessive coughing early in the morning or late at night. It is an internal allergic response because the stimulants enter the body and cause a reaction. Mucous or fluid is secreted from the lungs causing a restriction in the airways making it even harder to breathe. The lungs become enlarged, swollen, and extremely sensitive. There are many causes and triggers of asthma and everyone is affected differently.
An asthma diagnosis is determined through physical examination and testing. Though asthma is a disease that does not go away, there are several ways to manage it. There are medications to control symptoms for the long term and to treat asthma symptoms for quick relief. It is important to see a health care professional regularly and to follow an asthma management plan.
Asthma seriously impacts the nation and the District of Columbia.
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Contact Us!
Please contact the Asthma Control Program at [email protected] with any questions or requests.