Unfortunately asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and the prevalence is increasing, especially among children. The prevalence of asthma symptoms in children varies from 0 to 30 percent in different populations with the highest prevalence occurring in Australia, New Zealand and England. Fortunatelyasthma can be treated and controlled so that almost all children can:

• Avoid troublesome symptoms night and day.
• Avoid serious attacks.
• Use little or no reliever medication.
• Have productive, physically active lives.
• Have (near) normal lung function.

Asthma causes recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing particularly at night or in the early morning.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Chronically inflamed airways are hyperresponsive; they become obstructed and airflow is limited (by bronchoconstriction, mucus plugs, and increased inflammation) when airways are exposed to various risk factors.