Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation of the airways and makes breathing difficult. It is caused by inherited genes, respiratory infections, and exposure to allergens or viruses. Over 22 million people in the US have asthma, including 6 million children, who are most at risk if they experience frequent wheezing when sick. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma is diagnosed through medical tests and is treated to prevent symptoms and control the disease with medicines.

1. ASTHMA