Chronic Diseases

Asthma

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten, or "spasm," and the lining inside the airways swell or thicken, and become clogged with thick mucous. It becomes very hard to breathe!

Attacks are often triggered by such things as allergies, infections from colds or bronchitis, exercise, changes in the weather (from mild to cold) and smoke.

Asthma is a significant problem for adolescents. Poorly controlled asthma can seriously limit participation in physical and social activities. Well-controlled asthma, properly treated, need not be limiting in the vast majority of cases.

Asthma self-management education programs attempt to develop healthy attitudes toward asthma and skills for controlling it. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation offers educational resources about asthma that compliment the medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. Visit the Asthma Resources Web site to learn how to prevent and manage your asthma.

Teen Experience Article:

Exercise Induced Asthma
Back to top