Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. Your airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways become sore and swollen. That makes them very sensitive, and they may react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating ASTHMA affects more than 5% of the population of the US, including children. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. If you have asthma you are not alone. In the United States, asthma affects 14 to 15 million people. Today, 10 million adults have asthma. Asthma, also known as reactive airway disease, is defined as a chronic lung condition with:    * Inflammation (swelling) of the airways    * Increased sensitivity of the airways to a variety of things that make asthma worse    * Obstruction of airflowCauses of Asthma* Lack of exercise* Genetic factors* Dietary changes* Occupational exposure* Environmental factorsThere are 3 main approaches to asthma treatment:1. Asessement and monitoring2. Avoidance of asthma triggers3. Asthma medication therapyEach of these areas is an important component of asthma management and control.DiagnosisA diagnosis of asthma usually is based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, a physical examination, and laboratory tests that measure pulmonary (lung) function. Doctors typically look for signs that the patient's airflow is obstructed and that the obstruction is at least partially reversible.Home Remedies for AsthmaTake ginseng to increase heartiness and endurance. Ginseng also is helpful in promoting assimilation of vitamins and minerals.Mix teaspoon asafoetida ( hing ), 2 teaspoon honey, teaspoon juice from betel leaf ( paan ), teaspoon white onion juice. Have it 2-3 times a day. To take out juice from betel leaf, crush them to a paste and squeeze through a clean muslin cloth. For onion juice, grate the onion and squeeze through a clean muslin cloth.For asthma cure turmeric can be taken along with honey in the morning on empty stomach to reduce the intensity of attack.Take very hot water and add a tsp of honey in it. Consume it just before sleeping and take small sips.Mix equal amounts of fresh ginger ( adrak ) juice, honey & pomegranate ( anaar ) juice. Take 1 tablespoon, 1-2 times a day.Another effective remedy for asthma is garlic. The patient should be given daily garlic cloves boiled in 30 gms. milk as a cure for early stages of asthma. Steaming ginger tea with minced garlic cloves in it can also help to keep the problem under control and should be taken both in the morning and evening. Turmeric is also regarded as an effective remedy for bronchial asthma. The patient should be given a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk two or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach.There are several alternative asthma treatments also available:Diets- Asthma is often triggered by allergic reactions. Its important to know if the asthmapatient is allergic to some ingredients so they can be included in the diet.Caution:If this is the first attack, or if the attack is severe and any one of the following occurs:    * The inhaler has no effect after 5 minutes.    * The casualty is becoming worse.    * Breathlessness makes talking difficult.