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Asthma
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Asthma is considered an inflammatory condition affecting the bronchial tubes or airways. It is a diagnosis with diverse manifestations and subtypes, making it difficult to define, and in some cases, to diagnosis and treat properly. The most important problem in asthma is variable airway narrowing in response to "triggers", such as allergy, respiratory infections, irritants, cold air and exercise. This narrowing can occur by two mechanisms; inflammation and swelling within the wall of the airway, and constriction of the bands of muscle that surround the bronchial tubes. Increased mucous from inflammation can build up in bronchial tubes and contribute to airflow "obstruction". This airway narrowing or obstruction is variable or "reversible", and ... asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction.
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Asthma is not generally considered by doctors to be a serious illness in most people who have it, mainly due to the mildness of symptoms and the range of very effective medicines that control these symptoms and stop asthma worsening. Asthma does... have an effect on quality of life because attacks can be unpleasant and distressing and can restrict activity. Whilst most sufferers learn to live with and manage their condition, for some it can be disabling. In exceptional cases, asthma can be life-threatening, particularly if it is not treated adequately or promptly. For some of these, an attack is so severe that it results in death.
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Asthma