By Catholic Partnership Schools Healthy Courier reporters | When someone has asthma, it can be difficult for them to breathe. Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it affects kids differently throughout childhood.

Overall, 10 percent of Americans experience asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Healthy Courier reporters interviewed Ms. Pino, R.N., St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral school nurse, to understand what happens when someone has asthma.

“Asthma comes in a variety of different ways,” she said. “It may be triggered by the seasons, exercise, or aspirin.”

Anyone who has asthma can experience an asthma attack, regardless of what triggers it. An asthma attack is when the muscles surrounding the bronchioles, or tiny branches in the lungs, tighten up. The lungs overproduce mucus and the airways narrow, making it extremely difficult to breathe, Ms. Pino explained.

Fortunately, an asthma attack can be prevented. Many people who have asthma have an asthma inhaler, which contains medication, Ms. Pino said.

When someone is having an asthma attack, Ms. Pino said, they should “know their asthma action plan.” An asthma action plan is a guide that a doctor gives to the patient as a way to combat an asthma attack. If someone is having an asthma attack and you don’t know their asthma action plan, give them a paper bag to breathe in, call 911, and try finding their inhaler while you wait for help, according to Ms. Pino.

Illustration by Jess, East Norriton M.S., 2022–23.