What's Asthma?

Asthma

Say: AZ-muh

Someone with asthma can have trouble breathing because of problems with the airways, the tubes that carry air into the lungs. The airways can get irritated, swollen (puffed up), and narrow (like a pinched straw), which makes it hard to breathe. Many things can trigger an asthma flare, like viruses, allergies, smoke, and even exercise. Someone who has asthma may need to see a doctor regularly and carry special medicine to make it easier to breathe.