WHAT HAPPENS IN ASTHMA
During an asthmatic attack two major things occur :
- Irritation or swelling of the lining of the airways : These swollen airways produce excess mucus. This mucus is very thick and sticky and therefore tends to clog up the airways, making it even more difficult to breathe.
- Bronchospasm (or narrowing of airways) : This happens because the small airways of the lungs become constricted (narrowed) due to tightening of bronchial muscles. As a result breathing becomes difficult as air can’t pass through these tightened airways.