Cases of asthma are prevalent among children.
Asthma is a chronic or life-long inflammation of the lungs’ airways. This inflammation, or swelling, makes airways more sensitive to triggers such as pollen, dust, smoke or pet dander. Exposure to these triggers can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness of the chest and coughing. It is important to understand asthma and how to manage this chronic disease.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among children. Research shows that African-American and Puerto Rican children have the highest asthma prevalence among all ethnic groups in the United States. RHA is working to understand and address asthma in Chicago and beyond through education, research and policy change.
Sign Up for RHA's E-newsUNDERSTANDING ASTHMA
Learn how the body is affected by asthma, common symptoms and how asthma is diagnosed.
LIVING WITH ASTHMA
If you have asthma, you can take an active role in managing it. With today’s knowledge and treatments, most people can live normal, active lives and experience few symptoms.
ASTHMA AT SCHOOL
Planning ahead can help keep your child’s asthma controlled and prevent asthma emergencies at school.
RHA’S ASTHMA PROGRAMS
RHA is dedicated to improving asthma management among children and their adult caregivers.
ASTHMA ADVOCACY
You can help enact lung-friendly policies that benefit children and adults living with asthma.
ASTHMA RESEARCH
Read about research-related advances in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma.
ASTHMA SUCCESSES
Learn about some of RHA’s progress in improving the lives of people with asthma.