Approximately 15 million people in the United States have asthma, 5 million of which are children. The condition is closely linked to allergies, and most people with asthma also have allergies. Asthma is a chronic health condition that occurs when the airways to the lungs become constricted and inflamed, reducing the amount of airflow to the lungs. When this occurs, people have symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Although asthma cannot be cured, there are ways to control and even prevent asthma symptoms. If you have the condition, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about what is causing your symptoms and how to avoid them.