Asthma

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A long-lasting disease in which the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs sometimes become narrower, limiting the amount of air that can flow through them, and causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing (called a spasm). Cells in the airways may also make more mucus than usual, which narrows the airways even more. Asthma can also cause death, but can usually be controlled with regular treatment. It may be caused by allergies (such as to pet hair, dust, mold, pollen, or cockroaches), respiratory infections, vigorous exercise, environmental factors (such as cigarette smoke, certain foods, or pollution), stress, and genetics (a child is more likely to have asthma if one or both parents have asthma).

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