Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. Asthma is a chronic state of hyper-responsiveness (when muscles in the airways constrict and narrow excessively in response to inhaled allergens or other irritants). Asthma is characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Asthma may be triggered by allergens or other, non-allergic stimuli, such as cold air or tobacco smoke.

There is no cure for asthma. However, with the proper diagnosis and treatment, asthmatics can lead normal, active lives with little disturbance to quality of life.

Some people stop having asthma attacks as they get older, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, asthma is a chronic disease that requires treatment. If you have asthma, your best plan is to learn how to manage the asthma, avoid triggers, and move on with your life.

While atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is associated with asthma and other atopic disorders, it does not directly cause them, and people with atopic dermatitis do not always develop other atopic conditions. However, a link exists between eczema and asthma. One study found that 46% of boys and girls with asthma also had eczema.

Some kids will stop having asthma symptoms as often, and it may seem like they have outgrown it. But it isn't gone, it just isn't active, and could come back at any time. Other kids will have to deal with asthma throughout their lives. The best thing to do is to get all the help you can. Have regular checkups with your doctor or asthma coordinator to make sure you are getting the right medicines. Keep a positive attitude..

Asthma can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children under 5 years old. Regular physical exams that include checks of lung function and checks for allergies can help in making the right diagnosis. A health-care provider trying to diagnose asthma will ask you questions about coughing, especially coughing at night, and whether breathing problems are worse after physical activity or during a particular time of year.

You can control your asthma and avoid an attack by taking your medicine as prescribed and by avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack. It is important that you remove those triggers in your environment which make your asthma worse. Medicine for asthma is different for each person. It can be inhaled or taken as a pill and comes in two types—quick-relief and long-term control. Quick-relief (rescue) medicines provide immediate relief of symptoms that cause an asthma attack.

Pediatric Adult/Asthma Coalition of NJ "Top Ten Action to Control Asthma Triggers in Your Home".