Breathing is something we do without even thinking about it. But
some people have a hard time breathing easily. They wheeze,
cough, and just can't get enough air into their lungs. Let's
talk about asthma. Normally when you breathe, oxygen-rich air
enters your nose and mouth and travels to the airways in your
lungs. But when you have an asthma attack, the muscles in your
airways tighten. Your airways swell up and get narrower. It's
like pressing on a straw when you're trying to drink through it.
The more you press, the less of your drink can squeeze up
through the straw. In the same way, less air can squeeze through
tight airways into your lungs. So, what causes asthma? People
with asthma have different triggers. Some people are sensitive
to pet hair or dander. Others find that dust, pollen, smoke, or
chemicals make them wheeze. You may have trouble breathing when
you're under stress or working out at the gym. Often people with
asthma have allergies that trigger their attacks. Others have a
parent or other rel