Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease caused by inflammation of the airways.

It causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. 

These symptoms can be triggered by infections like colds and flu, allergies (to pollen, dust mites or animals), smoke, fumes, and pollutions.

There are different types of asthma, and newforms of asthma have been identified in recent years. Two main forms of asthma are:

Allergic asthma:

triggered by an outdoor or indoor allergen (pollen, dust mites, or animal dander).

Non-allergic asthma:

triggered by respiratory tract infections such as viruses, or by physical activity.

Although there's no cure for asthma, many treatment options are available. The two main types of asthma medications are: anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators (drugs that dilate (open up) the bronchial passages). These medications are usually inhaled in tiny amounts, so they can go straight to the lungs.. Many asthma patients need to use their inhaler every day. Anti-inflammatories help to reduce inflammation in the airways

For people with allergic asthma, avoiding the allergen that triggers symptoms is crucial.