In the United States, over 22 million Americans, including young children, suffer from asthma. Also called bronchial asthma, asthma is an inflammatory lung disease that causes chronic attacks that restrict airflow. Bronchial asthma is characterized by a tightening of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes of asthma sufferers are hyper-responsive, meaning that they are affected by allergens and environmental factors. It is important to control bronchial asthma symptoms with the help of a qualified health care professional.

Symptoms of bronchial asthma involve chronic asthma attacks which include, but are not limited to, coughing and wheezing, shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Bronchial asthma sufferers experience a number of these symptoms during an asthma attack. These symptoms are the result of an inflammation that restricts air flow. Symptoms are most likely to occur in the late night or early morning hours, when exposed to allergens or environmental factors, or after exercise or overexertion. Bronchial asthma sufferers that experience coughs and wheezing often have trouble sleeping at night.

Bronchial asthma patients suffer from a hyper-responsive airway. This includes hyper-responsiveness of the bronchioles. The airway begins to restrict and spasm when patients are exposed to a number of environmental factors, such as pollution, cigarette smoke or dust. In many cases, allergies play a role in triggering asthmatic symptoms. Bronchial asthma sufferers are also likely to experience attacks after a cold or respiratory infection, or after exercise, should they become winded.

Bronchial asthma sufferers experience common asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest when their bronchial tree becomes inflamed. This occurs due to a bronchospasm, or muscle spasm of the bronchioles, which tightens the airway, thereby reducing air flow. Bronchial asthma sufferers also experience an increased production of mucus, which clogs passages and blocks the airway.

In some cases, bronchial asthma is life-threatening. It is important that asthma sufferers seek immediate medical attention. Qualified healthcare professionals offer treatment and symptom management.