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Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which airways may be inflamed and airway linings become swollen. The muscles around the airways can also tighten and make the airways even narrower. Mild episodic asthma is due primarily to bronchial smooth muscle contraction whereas moderate to severe sustained asthma is largely due to chronic inflammation of the bronchi with the presence of such white cells as eosinophils, neutrophils and mononuclear cells. People with asthma have airways that are super-sensitive to 'triggers' that do not bother people without asthma. When an asthmatic is near to or comes in contact with a trigger, an asthma episode may start. The airways may become swollen, produce mucus, and tighten up. Common triggers for asthma episodes include the following:- Dander (or flakes) of skin, hair, or feathers of all warm-blooded pets
- House dust mites
- Cockroaches
- Pollens from grass and trees
- Molds (indoor and outdoor)
- Cigarette smoke or wood smoke; scented products such as hair spray, cosmetics, and cleaning products; strong odors from fresh paint or cooking; automobile fumes; and air pollution
- Infections in the upper airway, such as colds (a common trigger for both children and adults)
- Exercise
- Expressing strong feelings (crying, laughing)
- Changes in weather and temperature
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