Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the bronchial tubes that carry air in and out of lungs. Asthma causes the bronchial tubes, often called airways, to be inflamed, making the tubes sensitive, and constricted. When the muscles of the bronchial tube walls tighten the y also produce extra mucus that blocks the airways. An easy way to learn more about asthma is to read medical magazines.

Asthma causes multiple episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, tightness of the chest and coughing. In most cases causes for asthma are unknown; people with a family history of asthma, frequent respiratory infections, constant exposure to air pollutants and being overweight are many risk factors for suffering from asthma. At this time there is no cure.

There are two types of asthma, allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma. Allergic, or extrinsic asthma, is caused by allergic reactions, which are complex exaggerated immune system responses to allergens like pet dander, mold and pollutants. Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. It affects more than 50 percent of the 20 million asthma-sufferers.

Some allergic reactions that set asthma off are triggers including exposure to environmental things like dust, tobacco smoke and mold. Other triggers are outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergens and pets. Magazines like Real Simple, Good Housekeeping and Parenting often offer tips on making your home allergen-proof.

Non-allergic asthma sufferers experience the same kind of symptoms as allergic-asthma sufferers; causes however are not related to allergies. Common non-allergic asthma symptoms are strenuous physical exercise, bad weather, hyperventilation, viruses or even stress. With non-allergic asthma, the immune system does not react. For more information on how to cope with non-allergic asthma triggers read magazines like Body + Soul, Health and Women's Health.

Doctors use a spirometry, or lung function test to diagnose asthma. The spirometry meausures the largest amount of exhaled air after take a very deep breath. If your primary care physician suspects a patient may be suffering from allergic asthma, he/she may want that patient to see an allergist, a doctor that specializes in treating allergic diseases.

There are many different courses of treatment for asthma patients. The two main categories of asthma medicines are quick-relief and long-term control. Quick-relief medicines control symptoms of an asthma attack when they are happening. Long-term medicines contribute to overall well-being.

Scientists are studying asthma at many medical research institutes and they are making progress in their findings. In the July 2008 issue of Prevention magazine, the magazine reports that the Georgia Tech Research Institute is developing sensors that monitor air quality for asthma sufferers to wear in their pockets. Also, in the same issue of Prevention magazine, the magazine reports scientists at the University of Texas at Galveston have discovered proteins in asthma patients may be evidence of different sub-types of asthma. Still, Prevention reports a new drug called Pitrakinra may help reduce the body's response to allergens and reduce asthma symptoms. The maker of the drug is currently running clinical trials.

A good way to keep up with asthma-treatment news is to subscribe to health magazines like Prevention, Men's Health and Women's Health. Also, general interest magazines like Time magazine and Newsweek magazine regularly report on health trends like asthma.