Asthma is a medical condition that makes breathing difficult because the airways in your lungs become narrower and produce extra mucus. During an asthma attack, the muscles around these airways tighten, making it hard to get air in and out. Someone having an attack might wheeze (make a whistling sound while breathing), cough repeatedly, or feel like they can't catch their breath.

Many things can trigger asthma: exercise, cold air, dust, pet dander, pollen, or even strong emotions like laughter or stress. Not everyone with asthma reacts to the same triggers, and some people's asthma is more severe than others. Some kids only notice their asthma when running hard in gym class, while others need to be more careful about what's in the air around them.

Most people with asthma use an inhaler, a small device that delivers medicine directly into the lungs to open up the airways. With proper treatment and by avoiding their triggers, people with asthma can run, play sports, and do everything their friends do. Many Olympic athletes and professional sports players have asthma and compete at the highest levels. The condition requires attention and management, but it doesn't have to limit what someone can do.