Airways that overreact turn ordinary air into a struggle. Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed, narrowed, and hyper-responsive, producing recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough.

Triggers include allergens, exercise, cold air, respiratory infections, and irritants. Between attacks many patients feel well, yet airway inflammation persists. Diagnosis relies on history, spirometry showing reversible obstruction, and sometimes peak-flow variability or challenge testing.

Inhaled corticosteroids form the foundation of long-term control; short-acting bronchodilators relieve acute symptoms. Written action plans help patients adjust treatment when control slips. Most people with asthma can lead full lives when inflammation is consistently suppressed and triggers are managed.

• Chronic inflammatory airway disease with reversible obstruction
• Causes episodic wheeze, cough, and breathlessness
• Triggered by allergens, exercise, infection, and irritants
• Controlled mainly with inhaled anti-inflammatory therapy