The Oprah Winfrey Show
Oprah's Best Life Series
Harpo Films
For One More Day
The Great Debaters
O, The Oprah Magazine
Subscribe Today
Oprah Radio
Oprah's Angel Network
Oprah's Book Club
1 of 7
All About Asthma
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a problem in the airways, but the exact cause is unknown. The airways in a person with asthma are very sensitive and react to specific triggers, such as dust, tobacco smoke and even changes in the weather.
Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person but can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Doctors use a number of tests to diagnose asthma, particularly lung function tests. A typical finding in people with asthma is that they have trouble quickly blowing out a full breath of air, which is picked up by lung function tests.
By Elisabeth Bergman; Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD
Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person but can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Doctors use a number of tests to diagnose asthma, particularly lung function tests. A typical finding in people with asthma is that they have trouble quickly blowing out a full breath of air, which is picked up by lung function tests.
By Elisabeth Bergman; Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD
Related Links
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
