Who gets asthma?

People with a family history of asthma or allergies, especially an allergic skin condition called eczema, are most likely to get the disease. They frequently have another allergic condition such as hay fever or eczema before they develop asthma.

Women seem to be especially susceptible to asthma in their adult years if they had the disease in childhood. Childhood asthma occurs more frequently in boys, however.

What happens during an asthma attack?

An asthma attack is often preceded by coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a scratchy throat or chest tightness. During an attack, the airways in the lungs become inflamed and swollen, causing bronchospasm—a tightening of the muscles around the windpipe. This spasm blocks the flow of air in and out of your lungs so that you wheeze and struggle to breathe.

If you have experienced these symptoms, it's important to see your healthcare provider so that you can be properly evaluated, diagnosed and treated for asthma.