What is asthma?

Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the lungs in which the airways swell up, the muscles around them contract, a sticky mucus is secreted, and air is prevented from being breathed into the areas of the lungs where oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream. In a mild asthma attack, the child will wheeze and there may be coughing and some breathlessness. In a severe attack, however, the child may be prevented from breathing at all. This can be a terrifying experience both for the child and for anyone who is witnessing it and requires immediate emergency treatment.