<s>[INST] What Causes Asthma Symptoms? [/INST] Asthma causes airways, the passages that bring air to your lungs, to become very sensitive and reactive. When airways come in contact with "triggers", the airways narrow, swell and produce mucus. In addition, the muscles on the outside of the airways constrict and tighten around the airways. As a result, breathing becomes difficult. These effects cause episodes of breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Having one or several of these symptoms is called an asthma episode, or attack. These symptoms are usually temporary and can be mild or life threatening. Source: New York State Department of Health. Link: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/asthma/asthma_faqs.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Asthma </s>