Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the lungs characterized by narrowing of the airway passages. Asthma, which is estimated to afflict millions of Americans has many patterns of presentation and can occur at any age. It is essential for asthmatic patients to be closely followed by physicians and to be evaluated for causative factors such as allergens.

All asthmatic patients should undergo allergen skin testing to identify potential asthma triggers. This disease can be controlled if treated with appropriate medications and by careful avoidance of asthma triggers including allergens.