Asthma Center
Asthma is inflammation and narrowing of the airways (called the bronchial tubes).
Find answers in our in-depth report on asthma:
What should I ask my healthcare provider about asthma?
Pulmonary function tests (PFT)
Exercise and asthma: Is exercise jeopardizing your health?
Do you repeatedly cough, have a hard time breathing, and feel tightness in your chest during or after exercise? You may have execrise-induced asthma. Find out what it is and what you can do about it.

Heavy breathing: asthma and your sex life
Asthma, like many chronic diseases, can adversely affect your sex life. But there are ways to cope with it and lessen its effects.

In her own words: living with asthma
Learn about one woman's experience of living with asthma for 15 years.

In her own words: living with juvenile asthma
A mother shares her story of what it's like to have a child with asthma.
The number of people who have asthma and allergies is on the rise. Some experts say that our public hygiene practices are contributing to this problem. Read here to find out more.
Asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are among the major causes of illness and disability in the United States, affecting as many as 40 to 50 million Americans. Scientists do not know why certain people experience allergic reactions, but they do know that increased amounts of a substance called leukotrienes play an important role in causing symptoms.

What’s behind the increase in asthma?Although there's no cure, asthma can be managed, and much of the associated morbidity and mortality can be prevented. Here's what you need to know about asthma and what to do if you or someone you know has it.
Chronic obstructive lung disease