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Asthma

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Asthma

Asthma can be a serious life-long disease caused by swelling (inflammation) in the airways (lungs). People with asthma have airways that are very twitchy, or sensitive to “triggers” like smoke, pollen and dust.

Triggers make airways swell, tighten and make extra mucus, making it harder to breathe.

Air Quality and Climate Change

Climate change can contribute to worsening air quality through rising temperatures, wildfire smoke, shifting precipitation patterns and longer growing seasons. Ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM), including fine particles known as PM2.5 and allergens also affect air quality. Unhealthy air quality can affect breathing and can make lung diseases like asthma worsen. Visit the MDHHS Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program (MICHAP) for climate and health information.