2. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficult breathing.

3. Asthma is classified into five groups based on severity: 1- exercise-induced asthma (exercise- induced bronchospasm). 2- mild intermittent asthma. 3- mild persistent asthma. 4- moderate persistent asthma. 5- severe persistent asthma.

4. An allergy is an overreaction by your body's immune system to a normally harmless substance, or allergen, that does not bother most people. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, allergies are among the major causes of illness and disability in the United States, affecting as many as 50 million Americans. From 10% to 30% of adults and up to 40% of children have allergies. Allergy symptoms may significantly affect your quality of life by causing fatigue, headache, and difficulty in daily functioning.

5. Warning signs and symptoms for adults can include: Increased shortness of breath or wheezing Disturbed sleep caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing Chest tightness or pain Increased need to use bronchodilators — medications that open up airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles A fall in peak flow rates as measured by a peak flow meter, a simple and inexpensive device that allows you to monitor your own lung function

6. Warning signs and symptoms for children may include: An audible whistling or wheezing when your child exhales Coughing, especially if the cough is frequent and occurs in spasms Waking at night with coughing or wheezing Shortness of breath, which may or may not occur when your child exercises A tight feeling in your child's chest