Living with Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that includes airway inflammation (swelling), increased airways sensitivity and obstructed airflow.  It affects 14 to 15 million people in the U.S. and about 300 million people worldwide. A diagnosis is made after reviewing personal and family history, symptoms at the time of evaluation, and lung function. Treatment for asthma can include long-term relief medications and quick relief medications.

The goals of asthma treatment are to maintain normal activities without symptoms, have near normal lung function, and few if any medication side effects and hospital visits. Manage your disease by taking medication appropriately, understanding what makes your asthma worse, monitoring lung function and using your asthma action plan.