What is Asthma?

Asthma is inflammation (swelling) of the airways. Some people are born with a genetic risk to develop asthma. Others develop it after infections or exposure to allergy or airway irritants. An individual can have varying amounts of symptoms that can affect quality of life, including performing routine daily activites and obtaining restful sleep. Most asthma responds to treatment with medicines that work by opening the airways and relieving swelling.