What is Asthma

What Causes Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. People who have asthma have airways that are extra sensitive, meaning that the airways react to asthma triggers such as colds, cigarette smoke and exercise, faster and more intensely than people with normal airways. Health professionals do not know for certain what causes asthma, but studies have shown that both genetics and the environment can affect your risk of getting asthma. Your family history can help you and your doctor understand what your risk may be for asthma.