Asthma is a lung disorder that occurs when your breathing tubes (airways) become narrowed. As the airways narrow, it can become harder to breathe. This can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can come and go, depending upon how narrow your airways are. Some people have only occasional asthma symptoms while others have asthma symptoms every day.

Scientists do not know what causes asthma. However, they do know that certain things can trigger asthma symptoms, including illnesses such as the common cold, pets, exercise, foods, or air pollution.Fortunately, there are effective treatments for asthma. Treatment can help to prevent breathing problems. Treatments can also help to improve breathing after your airways become narrow.It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine which asthma treatments are right for you. In addition, you should see your provider on a regular basis to help you manage your breathing over time.Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measures the rate at which a person can exhale. This rate depends upon the degree of airway narrowing. PEFR monitoring can provide data that can be used to make treatment decisions. Children five years of age and older are usually capable of performing peak flow measurements. The optimal treatment of asthma depends upon a number of factors, including the child’s age and the severity and frequency of asthma attacks. For most children, asthma treatment can control symptoms, allowing the child to participate fully in activities and sports.Successful treatment of asthma involves three components:·    Controlling and avoiding asthma triggers ·    Regularly monitoring asthma symptoms and lung function ·    Understanding how to use medications to treat asthma