What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long term respiratory disease that affects approximately 1 in 10 Australians.

People with Asthma have airways that are more sensitive than normal and as a result inflammation can occur when ‘triggered’

Symptoms can be triggered by different things for different people, but common factors can include allergies, cold, smoke and other air pollutants.

Several changes can occur in the airway or tubes leading to the lungs when asthma occurs:

  • The muscle in the airways can tighten, making the airway narrower
  • The inside walls of the airways can become swollen also making the airway narrower
  • Mucus can form, blocking the airways and making it difficult to breathe

Treatment is available to manage asthma symptoms, keep lungs healthy and stop the disease from interfering with everyday life. There is no cure.