What is asthma?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Asthma is a chronic lung disease marked by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which lead to symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms often worsen during the morning and evening.

    Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.[1] People with asthma experience recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.[2] These episodes are often worse in the mornings and evenings.