Answer:
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the airways with permanent hypersensitivity. In those with a corresponding disposition (with an overly sensitive bronchial system), the inflammation leads to attacks of breathlessness as a result of acute narrowing of the airways - a so-called bronchial obstruction. This narrowing of the airways is caused by increased secretion of mucus, spasms of the bronchial muscles and the formation of edema of the bronchial mucous membrane; it is reversible through treatment. About 1 of every 10 individuals has or had asthma at least once.