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Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the airways become sensitive to allergens (any substance that triggers an allergic reaction). Several things happen to the airways when a child is exposed to certain triggers:

• The lining of the airways becomes swollen and inflamed.
• The muscles that surround the airways tighten.
• The production of mucus is increased, leading to mucus plugs.

All of these factors will cause the airways to narrow, thus making it difficult for air to go in and out of your child's lungs, causing the symptoms of asthma.

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