What is it?

Wheezing, being short of breath, coughing, and feeling tightness in the chest may be symptoms of asthma, a disorder of the respiratory system. The airways that process air go into spasm and become narrowed, and breathing is hampered. Asthma attacks, which vary from mild to life threatening, can be triggered by exertion, such as exercise, by getting a cold, and by inhaling cigarettes or breathing cigarette smoke. Other agents that can trigger asthma include food and the food additives like preservatives, artificial colors, drugs, dust, feathers, and animal dander. Sudden changes in weather can also trigger an attack. The illness often begins in childhood. However, can also seen directly in an adult. Psychological stress can trigger an attack or can worsen one. More often there is a family history of allergy or asthma.