Asthma is a common inflammatory disease in the long run airways in the lungs.

Asthma is a common inflammatory disease in the long run airways in the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath breath.These episodes can occur several times a day or several times a week. Depending on who may be worse at night or during exercise.

Asthma is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens.Other possible triggers include drugs such as aspirin and beta-blockers. The diagnosis is usually based on a model of symptoms, response to treatment for a long time, and spectrometry. Asthma is classified in the frequency of symptoms, forced expiatory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak flow. Furthermore, it can be regarded as atopic and nonatopic where atopy refers to a predisposition to the development of hypersensitivity reactions.

There is no cure for asthma.Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers such as allergens and irritants, and also through the use of inhaled corticosteroids. Long-acting beta-agonists (Laba off) or leukotriene modifiers can be used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids if asthma symptoms remain. Treating the symptoms are rapidly degraded, usually a short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists such as salbutamol and oral corticosteroids. [In very severe cases, intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, and hospitalization may be required.

In 2013, 242 million people worldwide have asthma, compared with 183 million in 1990, it caused about 489,000 deaths in 2013, most of which occurred in developing countries. It often begins in childhood. Asthma rates have increased considerably since 1960s.Asthma was already known in ancient Egypt. The word asthma is derived from the Greek, meaning asthma "whistling".

Evidence of the effectiveness of measures to prevent the development of asthma is weak. Some promise including: limiting exposure to smoke both in utero and after birth, breastfeeding and greater exposure to the nest or large families, but no enough supported to be recommended for this indication.

Early exposure to pets may be helpful. The results of exposure to pets at other times are inconclusive and it is only recommended that animals are removed from the house, if a person has symptoms allergic to the animal. The diet during pregnancy or lactation has not been demonstrated to be effective and not recommended. Reducing or eliminating compounds known to sensitive people to work can be effective.

It is unknown if the annual vaccination against influenza impacts the risk of exacerbations. vaccination; However, it recommended the World Health Organization. Smoking is effective in reducing asthma exacerbations.