Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. With asthma, the airways, including the trachea, bronchial tree, and bronchi, become hypersensitive and narrowed in response to a trigger, emotional upset, or exercise. This reaction makes it difficult to breathe because less air is entering the lungs.

The symptoms of asthma can range from an occasional cough to life-threatening shortness of breath. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be successfully managed to reduce and prevent asthma attacks. Asthma can develop at any age, but it commonly occurs during childhood or teenage years^.

Asthma takes place in two forms; acute and chronic. Acute asthma, known as an asthma attack is an episodic event that occurs due to an asthma trigger. Chronic asthma develops due to the changes that occur from prolonged inflammation over time. Proper control of asthma can limit the effects of chronic inflammation and improve quality of life.