Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. When an asthma attack occurs, the lining of the air passages swell and the muscles surrounding the airways become tight, thus reducing the amount of air that can pass through the airway. Below you may find medications used to treat or help with Asthma, Acute. More about Asthma, acute