What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that manifests as recurrent attacks of coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways contract, which limits the passage of air to the lungs. Viscous mucus can occasionally accumulate, which further restricts the free passage of air.

In the UK, approximately 5.4 million people have asthma. This equates to roughly one in every 12 adults and one in every 11 children.