<unk>  is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by a hyper-responsive airway and a resultant reversible airway obstruction. Approximately 5% of the total population have been diagnosed with<unk> .<unk>  affects one in four urban children.<unk> tics, a term used to characterize an individual affected with<unk> , develop intermittent airway constriction and subsequent inflammation that is lined with excessive amounts of mucus as a response to one or more triggers. Environmental stimulants such as dust, cold air, mold, pollen and exercise or stress can trigger an<unk> tic episode; however, in children, viral illness such as common cold remains the most common trigger. The classic symptoms include prolong expiratory wheeze, cough and shortness of breath secondary to airway obstruction that promptly responds to bronchodilator therapy. Between episodes most patients remain either, asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and may remain short of breath for longer periods after exercise. A positive bronchodilator response is strongly suggestive of<unk> . Short-acting beta-2 agonist, inhaled anti-cholinergics and systemic steroids may be used for immediate symptomatic relief; however, long-term symptom control may be achieved with long-acting beta-2 agonists, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene inhibitors and/or steroids.
Asthma
Exercise induced asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency
Occupational asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Upper airway resistance syndrome