Asthma

Reactive Airway Disease

A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways causing recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.

Asthma is characterized by variable airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness due to chronic airway inflammation. Triggers include allergens, exercise, cold air, and respiratory infections. Treatment follows a stepwise approach with short-acting beta-agonists for rescue and inhaled corticosteroids as the cornerstone of controller therapy.