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Asthma is a lung disease that causes breathing problems and
can be life threatening. The airways in the lungs get blocked,
causing the lungs to get less air than normal. Symptoms of an
“asthma attack” can be difficulty with breathing, a tight
feeling in the chest, coughing, and wheezing. Asthma can
develop quickly and it can range from being a mild discomfort
to a life-threatening attack if breathing stops completely.
Asthma problems are often separated by symptom-free periods.
Asthma can occur at any age, but is more common in children
than adults. While people of all age, race, and nationality have
asthma, the impact of asthma falls disproportionately on
African-American and certain Hispanic populations, and appears
to be particularly severe in urban areas. Many cases of asthma
likely go undiagnosed.
Asthma triggers are substances that aggravate existing
asthma, lead to an asthma attack, or that may increase the risk
of asthma developing. Potential indoor environmental triggers include environmental
tobacco smoke, smoke from combustion, dust and dust mites, mold, cockroaches,
and
pets and pet dander. It is important to learn which triggers are a
problem. Once asthma triggers are known, actions can be taken to
cut down exposure, and asthma attacks may be avoided. When
attacks do occur, they will probably be less severe.
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