Resources
About Asthma(1)
Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow—usually reversibly—in response to certain stimuli. During an asthma attack, the smooth muscle layer goes into spasm (called bronchospasm), and the bronchi narrow (called bronchoconstriction). Additionally, the tissues lining the airways swell from inflammation and secrete mucus into the airways…The narrowing requires the person to exert more effort to move air in and out of the lungs. In asthma, airway obstruction is reversible, meaning that with appropriate treatment or on their own, the muscular contractions of the airways stop, the airway obstruction ends, and the airflow into and out of the lungs returns to normal.
Asthma Facts(2)
- There are approximately 22 million Americans with asthma(1)
- Approximately 10-12% of children under 18 have asthma
- Asthma is most common in people under 40
- Family history increases the risk of developing asthma
Links to outside resources
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
American Lung Association
JAMA Asthma information Center
Sources:
(1) Merck Manual
(2) WebMD
