Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare  
What is Asthma?


Asthma is a chronic, potentially life-threatening disease of the airways of the lungs that is a major public health problem.

Causes include an inherited predisposition to develop the disease, and exposure to allergens like dust and mold. It is characterized by:

  • Shortness of breath;
  • Coughing; and
  • Increased mucus.
Asthma Prevention and Control Program
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed. Our program is working to reduce the growing burden of asthma in Idaho, where more than 100,000 people suffer from it.


Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

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