Bronchial Asthma Bronchial Asthma is a very serious but treatable disease that affects over 14 million people in the United States alone. It is characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. As the symptoms progress, they signal an asthma attack, where the person coughs and gasps for breath, due to the constricted airways, and their bodies become desperate for oxygen. Left untreated, an asthma attack can kill, suffocating its victims. Asthma affects all sexes, races and socioeconomic backgrounds, although it is more prevalent in cold climates and poor urbanized neighborhoods. The f