Definition
Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of
the airways. The chronic inflammation is associated
with airway hyperresponsiveness (an exaggerated airwaynarrowing
response to triggers, such as allergens and
exercise), that leads to recurrent symptoms such as
wheezing, dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest tightness
and coughing. Symptom episodes are generally associated
with widespread, but variable, airflow obstruction
within the lungs that is usually reversible either spontaneously
or with appropriate asthma treatment [4].