Asthma is a common disease among children and adults in the U.S., and it is increasing.

Asthma is not an emotional or mental disease. But strong emotions can sometimes make asthma worse or trigger an asthma attack. People with asthma are more likely to have depression and anxiety than people who don't have asthma.

Asthma flare-ups can be very dangerous. A person having a flare-up may need to be treated at the emergency department or in the hospital. Flare-ups are also life-threatening. They can cause death.

Sometimes an asthma flare-up may come on quite quickly. But early symptoms are usually present. People with asthma can learn to recognize their triggers and early symptoms of a flare-up. This knowledge helps in successfully manage the disease over the long term.

For most people with asthma, flare-ups may be triggered by many things. Some of these things are pollen from trees or grasses; molds or house dust; weather changes; strong odors; and cigarette smoke. Other triggers include being upset; laughing or crying hard; exercise; exposure to cold air; having a cold or the flu; or being near furry or feathered animals.

There is no cure yet for asthma. But people with asthma can control it by:

• Working with their healthcare provider.
• Learning to notice early signs of an asthma flare-up and to start treatment right away.
• Staying away from triggers or things that cause asthma flare-ups.
• Taking medicine as they are told to do so.
• Knowing when to get medical help with severe flare-ups.

Several types of medicines are available to control asthma. Some people with mild asthma need to take medicine only when they have symptoms. But most people need to take medicine every day to prevent symptoms and different medicine when symptoms do occur.

One way people with asthma can monitor how well their lungs are working is with a peak flow meter. This small device can be used at home, work, or school. The peak flow meter may show that the asthma is getting worse before symptoms appear.

Both children and adults can have asthma. Sometimes, but not always, symptoms will go away as children get older. But many people who had asthma as children continue to have asthma symptoms throughout adulthood. In some cases, asthma doesn't occur until a person is an adult.

Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can cause an asthma flare-up. And tobacco smoke can worsen a flare-up caused by other triggers.

People with asthma should exercise. When asthma is under control, people with asthma are able to play most sports. Many people with asthma take medicine before exercising to prevent flare-ups.