Asthma, a respiratory disease of the lungs, is the most common serious chronic disease of childhood. It is characterized by episodes of inflammation and narrowing of the lower airways in response to asthma “triggers.” These triggers include infectious agents, stress, pollutants such as cigarette smoke, and common allergens such as cat dander, dust mites, and pollen.
Read Asthma Facts.
NIAID's Role in Addressing AsthmaNIAID has been in the forefront of research into the mechanisms underlying asthma and developing clinical treatments for the disease since 1971. NIAID manages a large research portfolio representing the efforts of hundreds of scientists conducting independent research on asthma as well as a wide range of directed research activities and research by our own Laboratory of Allergic Diseases. NIAID’s research focuses on understanding how the environment, allergens, and genetics interact with the body’s own immune system to cause asthma and aggravate the symptoms. |
Related Links
What is Asthma? from The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Asthma Statistics from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Medical Encyclopedia: Asthma from MedlinePlus
News and Media
Statement of Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., NHLBI, and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., NIAID, on World Asthma Day—May 6, 2008
NIAID Media Availability:Air Pollution Affects Respiratory Health in Children with Asthma—April 15, 2008
New National Study Links Asthma to Allergies—Sept. 27, 2007
All Asthma News Releases
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