A disease that is characterized by airway inflammation and
constriction which causes shortness of breath, wheezing, and
awakening in the middle of the night.  It can affect
children and cause them to be short of breath or easily tired
during school activities or sports. Asthma causes periodic
attacks of wheezing and difficult breathing. Attacks are caused
by hypersensitivity of the lungs and airways, which overreact to
certain "triggers" or allergens.  This can cause the lung's
airway to become inflamed and constricted. Inhaled steroids and
ß-agonists help reduce the inflammation and constriction.
pulmonary_hypertension.pngPulmonary Hypertension  High blood
pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs is called
pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The blood pressure
measured by cuff on your arm is a measure of systemic blood
pressure, and isn't directly related to the pressure in your
lungs. In PAH, the blood vessels that supply the lungs constrict
and their walls thicken, so they can't carry as much blo