People with asthma have what is called a chronic (say: krah-nik)
problem, or a problem that is always there, even when they feel
OK. Everyday stuff such as exercise, pets, or cigarette smoke
can cause an asthma flare-up. During an asthma flare-up, the
airways (breathing tubes where air moves in and out of the
lungs) get swollen (puffy). These narrowed airways (breathing
tubes) also can get clogged with mucus. And the muscles around
the airways can tighten up. All of this makes it tough to
breathe. But medicine can help. There are two different kinds of
medicines for treating asthma: 1. Rescue Medications Rescue
medications can loosen the muscles around the airways. That
opens up the airways and makes it easier to breathe. Rescue
medicines are usually inhaled (breathed) right into the lungs,
where they stop wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
quickly. In other words, they rescue a person who's having
trouble breathing! 2. Controller Medications These medicines
work over a long period of time by keeping