Asthma
Asthma is a complex disease of the lungs with episodic wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Those symptoms are often brought on by allergens, but they can also be triggered by cold air, exercise, or airborne irritants such as smoke or perfume. Viral infections such as a common cold can trigger exacerbations. Both adults and children are affected. Adults with asthma have often had it all their lives.
Asthma is more than a minor inconvenience. Unfortunately, many people die every year of asthma attacks, and the symptoms can severely affect quality of life. With treatment, symptoms are controllable and the risk of severe exacerbations can be reduced. Allergists are trained to treat asthma, including identifying allergic triggers with skin testing and advising on a medical regimen that fits the disease.