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Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and spasm of the airways. This causes breathing problems such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by environmental factors, infections, allergies, exercise, temperature changes or other airway irritants.
Several things happen to the airways when a child with asthma is exposed to certain triggers in the environment:
- The lining of the airways become 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, making it difficult for air to go in and out of your child's lungs, causing the symptoms of asthma.
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