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Q: I have had asthma for a long time, yet I am still not sure as to what it really is. Could you help clarify this for me?
A: Asthma is a chronic lung condition with ongoing airway inflammation that results in recurring acute episodes (attacks) of breathing problems such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms occur because the inflammation makes the airways overreact to a variety of stimuli including physical activity, upper respiratory infections, allergens, and irritants. Exposure to these stimuli--often called triggers--creates more swelling and blocking of the airways. Asthma episodes can be mild, moderate, or even life threatening. Vigorous exercise will cause symptoms for most students with asthma if their asthma is not well controlled. Some people experience symptoms only when they exercise. However, today's treatments can successfully control asthma so that students can participate fully in physical activities most of the time. Asthma varies from person to person and often from season to season. At times, people with asthma may need temporary activity modification, such as varying the type, length, and/or frequency of activity.
Updated: 06/13/99
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