An estimated 17 million people living in the United States have self-reported asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease marked by wheezing, chest tightness and/or shortness of breath. It is the most common chronic illness among children, and if left untreated can result in loss of sleep, exercise limitations, absenteeism, emergency room visits, and, in a few cases, death.
If asthma is left untreated, airway inflammation is more likely to occur and become severe. Asthma is not a medical condition that goes away. Not treating it can cause you to lose lung function, which is vital for life.