Asthma is a common disease among children and adults in the United States, and it is increasing. About 10 million people have asthma, of whom 3 million are under 18 years of age.

Asthma is not an emotional or psychological disease, although strong emotions can sometimes make asthma worse. People with asthma have sensitive lungs that react to certain things, causing the airways to tighten, swell, and fill with mucus. The person then has trouble breathing and may cough and wheeze.

The way parents raise their children does not cause asthma. It is not caused by a poor parent-child relationship or by being overprotective.

Asthma episodes can be harmful. People can get very sick and need hospitalization. Some people have died from asthma episodes. Frequent asthma episodes, even if they are mild, may cause people to stop being active and living normal lives.

Sometimes an asthma episode may come on quite quickly. However, before a person has any wheezing or shortness of breath there are usually symptoms such as a cough, a scratchy throat, or tightness in chest. Most patients learn to recognize these early symptoms and can take medicine to prevent a serious episode.

For most people with asthma, an episode can start from many different "triggers." Some of these things are pollen from trees or grasses, molds or house dust, weather changes, strong odors, cigarette smoke, and certain foods. Other triggers include being upset, laughing or crying hard, having a cold or the flu, or being near furry or feathered animals. Each person with asthma has an individual set of asthma "triggers."

There is no cure yet for asthma. However asthma patients can control it to a large degree by:

• Getting advice from a doctor who treats asthma patients
• Learning to notice early signs of an asthma episode and to start treatment
• Avoiding things that can cause asthma episodes
• Taking medicine just as the doctor says
• Knowing when to get medical help with a severe episode

Several types of medicines are available to control asthma. Some people with mild asthma need to take medication only when they have symptoms. But most people need to take medicine every day to prevent symptoms and also to take medicine when symptoms do occur. A doctor needs to decide the best type of medicine for each patient and how often it should be taken. Asthma patients and their doctors need to work together to manage the disease.

People with asthma can monitor how well their lungs are functioning with a peak flow meter. This small device can be used at home, work or school. The peak flow meter may show that the asthma is getting worse before the usual symptoms appear.

Both children and adults can have asthma. Sometimes, but not always, symptoms will go away as children get older. However, many children continue to have asthma symptoms throughout adulthood. In some cases, symptoms of asthma are not recognized until a person is an adult.

Smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes can bring on an asthma attack. Indoor smoky air from fireplaces and outdoor smog can make asthma worse. Smokers should be asked not to smoke near someone with asthma. Moving to another room may help, but smoke travels room to room. No smoking is best for everyone!

Exercise is good for most people — with or without asthma. When asthma is under good control, people with asthma are able to play most sports. For people whose asthma is brought on by exercise, medicines can be taken before exercising to help avoid an episode. A number of Olympic medalists have asthma.