asthma is a chronic lung disorder affecting 7 million children in the united states with this disease there is narrowing of the airways caused by inflammation and mucus production resulting in airways obstruction. asthma is characterized by coughing wheezing difficulty in breathing and tightness in the chest .it is diagnosed by the presenting symptoms and spirometric evaluation of how fast air can be exhaled from the lungs.asthma exacerbations. know as asthma attacks result from an insult or irritation to the airways referred to as triggers. some of the more common asthma triggers include respiratory infections and environmental elements such as pollution,mold dust mites and tobacco smoke. asthma is controllable if triggers are avoided and appropriate medications to control inflammation are taken. long-term medications to help prevent attacks and quick-relief medicines to help prevent attacks and quick-relief medicines to help during attack are available. an asthma action(management)plan should be developed with the health care provider to guide daily treatment for long-term symptom control