What is asthma?
 

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the airways (breathing tubes) in the lungs become inflamed, narrowed and obstructed, causing difficulty in breathing.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. In Singapore, about 20% of children have asthma. Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled. However, if left untreated, asthma can damage the lungs and can be life-threatening.

Most cases of asthma in children is associated with allergy. Asthma occurs more often in those with a personal or family history of other allergic conditions such as eczema and hay fever.