 Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes it hard to breathe.
At its worst, asthma can be fatal.
For example, in 2003, asthma killed 287
Canadians 1.
Asthma can't be cured, but it can be managed. With proper treatment, people
with asthma can lead normal, active lives.
If you have asthma, your airways (breathing passages) are extra sensitive.
When you are around certain things, your extra-sensitive airways can:
Become red and swollen - your airways get inflamed
inside. They fill up with mucus. The swelling and mucus make your airways
narrower, so it's harder for the air to pass through.
Become
"twitchy" and go into spasm - the muscles around your
airways squeeze together and tighten. This makes your airways narrower,
leaving less room for the air to pass through.
The more red and swollen your airways are, the more twitchy they become.
|
Normal
airwaysAirways of a person without asthma |
Airways
of a person with asthma - redness and swelling (inflammation) |
Airways
of a person with asthma - tightened muscles (bronchospasm) |
 |
 |
 |
In people without asthma, the
muscles around the airways are relaxed, allowing the airways to
stay open. There is no swelling or mucus inside the airways. |
In people with asthma, the inside
of the airways can get red, swollen, and filled with mucus |
In people with asthma, the muscles
around the airways can spasm and squeeze tighter. This leaves less
room for air to pass through. |
|
