Asthma is a chronic lung disorder that causes swelling and inflammation in the lungs. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, asthma affects more than 25 million people in the United States, or about 8 percent of the population. Seven million of them are children. Asthma is common in childhood, but you can develop it at any point in your life. Childhood asthma and adult-onset asthma have the same symptoms, and both have similar treatments.
I never had breathing problems in the past, so how could I develop asthma out of the blue? Some women first develop asthma symptoms during or after a pregnancy. Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News. How to Fall Asleep in 10, 60, or Seconds. Nonallergic Asthma. To diagnose asthma, your physician will question you about your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and conduct lung function breathing tests. Cockroach Allergy. Other lung conditions have similar symptoms, which your healthcare practitioner may have to rule out. Ask your physician about new medications or research findings that may relate to your care.
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