Living With Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects more than 25 million people worldwide. Asthma usually develops in early childhood. However, it is possible to develop asthma later in life or as an adult.

Asthma affects your respiratory system, namely your airways and lungs. Your airways are small tubes that allow air to flow in and out of your lungs. With asthma, exposure to triggers creates irritation (and mucus), inflammation, and obstruction of these airways. As a result, you have trouble breathing and respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. 

Some people can manage and control their asthma with prescribed or alternative asthma therapies. However, people with asthma and other co-occurring conditions are more likely to have trouble controlling their asthma. 

Uncontrolled asthma has more implications than making breathing hard. It can result in activity limitations, missed work, poorer quality of living, and more frequent trips to the emergency department.