Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease or airways that are characterized by increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree to a multiplicity of stimuli. It is manifested physiologically by a widespread narrowing of the air passages. Asthma is an episodic disease, with acute exacerbations interspersed with symptom-free periods.
Most attacks are typically short-lived lasting from minutes to hours.
Clinically the patient seems to recover completely after the attack. However, there can also be a phase where the patient experiences some degree or airways persisting for days or weeks. This condition is known as status asthmaticus. In unusual circumstances acute episodes may lead to death.
The symptoms of Asthma consist of coughing and wheezing, triad of dyspnea and sine qua non.
