Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways of the lungs. The two main causes of asthma are airway constriction and inflammation. Airway constriction causes chest tightness. For example, the muscles around the airways of the lungs squeeze together. This makes it hard to breathe. Inflammation is not as noticeable. However, the airways of the lungs become inflamed and become swollen as asthma progresses. Inflammation makes it harder to breathe and mucus forms which makes the airways more obstructed. These two factors in asthma produce wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. This can lead to bronchial illnesses and often does. However, the more dangerous result of the disease is the reduction of air flow to the lungs. 

The two most common types of asthma are allergic and nonallergic. 

Allergic asthma is triggered by allergens in the air, such as pollen or ragweed. If a person has a family history of rhinitis or predisposition to hay fever, he or she is more susceptible to allergic problems. Using an inhaler can sometimes bring relief to allergic asthma. A disease called hypersensitivity pneumonitis can result in this type of asthma. This is where inflammation of the lungs occurs due to breathing a foreign substance, usually dust, fungus or mold.

On the other hand nonallergic asthma is not caused by natural allergens, but by other substances or irritants. These irritants are most likely caused by tobacco smoke, air pollutants or household cleaning odors. Other causes can be respiratory illness like the common cold or flu. Exercise induced activities can also cause asthma.

If a person has asthma and wants to prevent attacks, then seeing a doctor is best. A doctor is better equipped to recommend the proper treatment. Corticosteroids are often prescribed for advanced stages of asthma or COPD. These kinds of steroids greatly reduce flare-ups in the blocked airways of the lung. 

There are several remedies known to prevent asthma attacks. If a person smokes, he should stop, because smoking irritates the lungs. Avoiding allergens that cause asthma, such as pollen or dust is helpful.

Drinking hot black tea daily helps to relieve the build up of mucus in the lungs. Black tea serves as an expectorant and relieves wheezing and coughing. The use of inhalers eases the constriction of the airways. Allergy shots can help cure a person's allergies. A good doctor knows what type allergy a person has and with the right medicine can cure the allergy and asthma at once. This is rare. 

It is important to consult your doctor for treatment and help in preventing this disease. The quality of life can then be much improved.