Asthma is a condition that affects the airways of your lungs, i.e. the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. In asthma, the muscles around the airways tighten and become narrow. This makes it difficult to breathe. There is also an inflammation (a swelling), in the lining of your airways, and sometimes, a sticky mucus or phlegm builds up that blocks the airways, making breathing difficult. Often, there is a wheezing sound. In asthma your airways are thus very sensitive and react to many irritants called triggers, like cigarette smoke, pollen or cold air.

Now if you have asthma or know of anyone who does, the first thing you do is: Don't worry. You are not alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 300 million people currently suffer from asthma. It is the most common chronic (long duration) disease among children. The WHO report also states that asthma affects about 25-30 million in India alone.

While earlier, asthma had a lot of stigma attached to it, today, thanks to more information about the disease and modern medicine, you can live a normal, active life despite your asthma. Film stars have asthma, cricketers have asthma, prominent business people have asthma and they have not allowed it to come in the way of their success. So there's no reason why you should let asthma stop you or your loved one from making the most of life.

Symptoms of Asthma:

The usual symptoms of asthma are:

1. Tightness in chest: A constricted feeling in the chest, like someone is squeezing or sitting on it.
2. Shortness of breath: Breathlessness i.e. you can't get enough air in or out of your lungs. Breathing out is especially tough.
3. Recurrent or persistent Coughing:  A cough that doesn't go away. Coughing often occurs at night or after exercise.
4. Wheezing: A whistling sound that's usually heard when breathing out.

Other symptoms:

1. Disturbed sleep due to coughing at night
2. Breathlessness while exercising

Please note: Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. Someone may have all the symptoms while another may have only coughing or wheezing. Do keep a close watch on your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor to help diagnose your condition correctly. And remember that with the proper treatment you can control your asthma symptoms.

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