1. By Austin, Dylan and Ben

2. Asthma is most common among children. Allergies Tobacco Smoke Environmental factors (air pollution, mold, noxious fumes, etc.). Obesity Pregnancy Stress Genes (over 100 genes are linked to Asthma) Airway Hyperreactivity Asthma is not contagious

3. In response to a trigger, an asthma attack can cause airway inflammation, bronchial restriction and irregular airway obstruction. Airway inflammation is the body's response to an irritant and is characterized by swelling, breathing passageway restriction and mucus secretion. Bronchial restriction occurs when the muscles in your airways constrict and tighten around your bronchial tubes (the breathing tubes in your lungs). Mucus or fluid that is secreted by the reaction can obstruct your airway and make it increasingly difficult to breathe effectively.

4. Wheezing Chest tightness Coughing Feeling short of breath

5. 31.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma Approximately 300 million people have been diagnosed with asthma world wide. 250 thousand people die from asthma each year. 70% of asthmatics have allergies 13 million school days are missed each year due to asthma

6. Avoid your asthma triggers (smoke, allergies, cold air…) Use your asthma medications as prescribed (inhalers etc.)

7. www.livestrong.com/article/26162-asthma-affect-body www.livestrong.com/article/26162-asthma-affect-body www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/asthma www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/asthma http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/asthma-asthme/signs- signes/index_e.php http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/asthma-asthme/signs- signes/index_e.php http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/asthma-statistics.aspx All these sites are trusted medical sites.