Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs. The trachea divides into two narrower passages, the bronchi that lead to thinner bronchioles. Asthma results in bronchospasms, causing the airways to become inflamed with swelling of the bronchial mucous membrane. This makes it difficult for oxygen to flow through the airways. In 2009, the most recent information stated that one in twelve people (about 25 million worldwide) suffer from this lung disease.

When a person with asthma suffers from an asthma attack, the attack happens in two stages. During the first stage, the muscles surrounding the airways contract, and mast cells are released. Afterwards, the second stage of inflammation begins. A large number of inflamed cells build up in the airway and release substances which worsen the constriction of the surrounding muscle, causing a build-up of fluid in the lining of the bronchiole. The inflammation worsens over time and if left untreated, can become chronic and cause irreparable damage to the airways. In general asthma affects the bronchioles which swell and constrict airways.

Symptoms of asthma include...

tightness in the chest
labored breathing
coughing
noises in the chest heard during a prolonged forced expiration (wheezing).

Asthmatics may not be able to tolerate exertion, and they may be awakened at night. Some symptoms that are more severe result in requiring urgent medical care/hospitalization. Although there are treatments, there can be a risk of fatality for very few people.

Asthma occurs due to an overreaction of the lungs to various stimuli. These stimuli consist of viral (but not bacterial) respiratory infections, a.k.a common colds, inhaled allergens, inhaled irritants, cold air, exercise and occasional ingested substances (aspirin, sulfite preservatives, specific foods). These exposures sometimes just act as triggers or brief symptoms with relief once there is no longer exposure.

There are two main types of medication that people with asthma can take. These are controllers and relievers. Controllers, also called "preventers," reduce inflammation in the airways. Controllers should be taken every day. You will know that the controller medication is working because over time, there will be fewer and fewer symptoms. When your asthma is totally controlled and you have no symptoms, do not stop taking them. If you do, the airway inflammation may return. Relievers are very good at helping to alleviate symptoms immediately. If someone is coughing or wheezing, use a reliever medication to reduce symptoms. However, reliever medications do nothing for the underlying problem of inflammation. Relievers are only a short-term solution to breathing problems. In the picture is a type of medication just as the previous slide. The previous slide is a picture of an inhaler, which relieves short term breathing problems. The current slide picture is called Advaire. This is something that is taken everyday to help keep symptoms under control. Another medication that can be taken daily is called singulair (montelukast sodium).

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma http://www.uichildrens.org/childrens-content.aspx?id=228741 https://www.google.ca/search?q=normal+bronchiole+compared+to+asthmatic+bron... http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/asthma/asthma-history.php http://asthma.ca/adults/treatment/ http://www.hadassah-med.com/children-site/parents/chronic-deseases/asthma