Are asthmatics born with slightly narrower airways?

Answer 1

There are two main causes symptoms of Asthma: airway swelling and constriction. The narrowing or swelling is not something you are born with, but rather something you develop as a reaction to irritants such as air pollution and allergens. As a sort of defense to these allergens, the lungs produce mucus (just like your sinuses do), which can fill the lungs and further decrease lung capacity. The second symptom, the constriction of muscles around the airways is usually what is referred to as an asthma "attack". Understandably, when inflamed and congested air passages are futher constricted, difficulty in breathing occurs. I recommend visiting a doctor if you are concerned about yourself or your child. They can provide additional and specific information to you, often accompanied by helpfull diagrams.