Asthma Management Initiative

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation of the airways (breathing tubes). Inflammation means the airways are swollen and produce mucus. During an asthma flare-up, inflammation increases and the muscles around the airways tighten up, making them narrower. The swelling, mucus and tightness of the airways makes it hard for air to move in and out and causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Related Topics

• Tennessee Non-Smokers Protection Act
• Tennessee Tobacco Quitline

These links will take you away from the Tennessee Department of Health website.

• Lung Helpline - For Information on Lung Health

• Asthma information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/default.htm

• Information for caregivers of children with asthma: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages/What-is-Asthma.aspx