defined as a chronic inflammatory disease or airways that are characterized by
increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree to a multiplicity of
stimuli. It is manifested physiologically by a widespread narrowing of the air
passages. Asthma is an episodic disease, with acute exacerbations interspersed
with symptom-free periods.
Most attacks are typically short-lived lasting from
minutes to hours.
Clinically the patient seems to recover completely after the
attack. However, there can also be a phase where the patient experiences some