Asthma results from an inflammation of the airways in the lungs. The swelling can result in shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways become tight causing the air passage to swell, reducing the amount of air that can pass through. Asthma may be caused by inhaling allergens like pet hair or dander, dust, chemicals, mold, pollen or tobacco smoke. Some asthma patients experience asthma attacks often, while others may go weeks or months without experiencing an attack. These attacks can last from a few minutes to several days, and become more severe the more the airflow is restricted. Asthma may be treated by taking preventative medications to help control the asthma, or by taking drugs or using a medicated inhaler to stop the attack once it starts. In addition to taking medicine, altering what you eat can help reduce or prevent asthma symptoms. [Read more...]