Asthma is a condition where the tubes that lead to the lungs and supply them with oxygen close up. This causes shortness of breath and leads to the wheezes and coughing associated with asthma. A severe attack can cause permanent injury to the body due to low levels of oxygen. The tubes in the lungs have muscles that can open and close the width of these tubes. If these muscles are triggered at the wrong times, the tubes can close up and the person cannot breathe.

This condition often appears on a temporary basis when one has a cold with a lower respiratory infection with secretions that block the breathing tubes. It usually resolves once the cold secretions stop. A true asthma sufferer will have symptoms without the event of a cold or flu. As the lungs become blocked, breathing will cause non-stop coughing, loud breath sounds, whistles, rattles and talking becomes very hard. Someone standing next to an asthmatic having an attack will feel like Darth Vader is standing next to them.

In a true asthma sufferer, the lungs will suddenly close up and the person will begin struggling to breathe. Each asthma sufferer has different triggers or causes, but the most common ones are allergies. Some allergies are to seasonal plants and pollen; some are to permanent problems such as dust or molds which are always present. Other common triggers are anxiety, gastrointestinal reflux disease and time of day. When these triggers are added to an infection, breathing can become quickly compromised. Sometimes just increasing physical activity is enough to trigger an attack if the tubes are somewhat closed due to other triggers. Any damage to the lungs also contributes to the problem including smoking of any substance. And, as we age, the ability to respond to changes in breathing needs becomes less effective. Many persons begin experiencing asthma once they hit middle age.

After time, the asthma response becomes learned, and the body may over compensate for any changes that affect the lungs. Throughout the day one's need for oxygen changes and the body usually adjusts easily between being at rest and engaging in walking or other activities. Eating, changes in temperature and emotions all cause changes to respiration levels. The body, which is over reacting to begin with, learns to over react to even small stimulant. This is why a true asthmatic must always be prepared with medication to break through an attack.

If you think you have these types of symptoms, check it out with your doctor. While there is no cure, there is much that can be done to improve your functioning through medicine and treatments. Plus, you will most likely reduce your stress level (and asthma) by learning the cause of your distress is not something more serious.