Topics: Conditions and Diseases : Asthma

Asthma is a lung condition that causes airways to swell and produce lots of mucus. This makes it difficult to breathe. Because of this inflammation, the airways are very sensitive to things that affect breathing, like exercise, dust, and smoke. When a person with asthma is around these triggers, it causes the muscles in the airways to tighten and air can't get in. Doctors think that asthma is inherited, so they ask about family history. They also perform breathing tests and, sometimes, allergy tests and x-rays.