Asthma Center

Asthma is inflammation and narrowing of the airways (called the bronchial tubes).

• Asthma—adult
• Asthma—child

Find answers in our in-depth report on asthma:

• What is asthma?
• What are the risk factors?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How is it treated?
• What are the screening tests?
• How can I reduce my risk?
• What should I ask my healthcare provider about asthma?

• Allergy testing
• Chest x-ray
• Pulmonary function tests (PFT)

Exercise and asthma: Is exercise jeopardizing your health?

Do you repeatedly cough, have a hard time breathing, and feel tightness in your chest during or after exercise? You may have execrise-induced asthma. Find out what it is and what you can do about it.

Heavy breathing: asthma and your sex life

Asthma, like many chronic diseases, can adversely affect your sex life. But there are ways to cope with it and lessen its effects.

In her own words: living with asthma

Learn about one woman's experience of living with asthma for 15 years.

In her own words: living with juvenile asthma

A mother shares her story of what it's like to have a child with asthma.

Asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are among the major causes of illness and disability in the United States, affecting as many as 40-50 million Americans. Scientists do not know why certain people experience allergic reactions, but they do know that increased amounts of a substance called leukotrienes play an important role in causing symptoms.

• Better Asthma Management
• Your Asthma Action Plan
• Is Your Asthma in Control?
• Emotional and Stress Triggers
• The Animal Allergen

• Asthma Medications—Possible Side Effects
• Quick Relief and Controller Medicines
• Anti-Inflammatory, Bronchodilator, and Combination Medication
• Metered Dose Inhalers and Spacers
• Dry Powder Inhalers

• Allergic rhinitis
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive lung disease
• Food allergy
• Sinusitis

• Asthma