How does asthma affect the respiratory system?

Asthma is a disease that affects the airways of your lungs. With asthma, your airways' lining tends to always be in a hypersensitive state characterized by redness and swelling (inflammation). It's similar to ... The lungs become scarred, asthma medicines do not work as well and less air is able to move through your airways. read more

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute lists inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs as asthma's primary effects on the respiratory system. The airways in people with asthma are swollen and easily affected by inhaled contaminants. read more

Asthma is a disease that affects the airways of your lungs. With asthma, your airways' lining tends to always be in a hypersensitive state characterized by redness and swelling (inflammation). It's similar to how your skin becomes red, irritated and sensitive after a sunburn. read more

Breathing. Asthma causes inflammation and spasm of the small to medium-sized air tubes. This will affect breathing and lead to symptoms such as: shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, & chest tightness. read more