Prednisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication prescribed to treat a variety of illnesses in patients whose bodies are not producing the corticosteroids they need to successfully fight off those ailments. Such illnesses include asthma, lupus, multiple sclerosis, severe allergic reactions and other ills, as well.

Asthmatics use inhaled corticosteroid inhalers, sometimes daily, to reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways.

Mucus is a thick fluid secreted by mucus cells that are located in various organs. Mucus acts as a protective barrier and filter by coating the lining of organs to trap foreign substances. When foreign substances become trapped in the mucus, they cannot invade the body and cause sickness.

Scarring of lung tissue causes a variety of problems, from difficulty breathing to lack of adequate oxygen intake for optimal function of body organs. Understanding the causes of lung tissue damage helps you make wiser choices about your lifestyle habits.

Lunges strengthen the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, core and stabilizing muscles of the leg -- while also challenging your cardiovascular system. The lunge is an exercise that works the entire lower body and emphasizes joint mobility, strength and flexibility, according to Boston Performance Coaching.

When a person hyperventilates, it means that he is breathing very rapidly. This interferes with the body's ability to rid itself of carbon dioxide, which is normally expelled when exhaling. As the carbon dioxide level builds up, the symptoms of hyperventilation appear.

Pets are very popular -- 44 percent of Americans own a dog, according to a recent survey from the American Pet Products Association. However, for the 26 million people with asthma, pets in the house can greatly exacerbate symptoms. One important facet of asthma management is to try to avoid triggers.

Nebulizers and humidifiers are used for aerosol therapy, a common form of treatment for respiratory ailments such as asthma. Both nebulizers and humidifiers convert liquids into a fine mist that can easily be inhaled into the airways to alleviate respiratory symptoms.

Asthma is a disease of the lungs that affects more than 20 million Americans, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It is a chronic condition that repeatedly causes the airways in your lungs to become narrowed and inflamed.

Any number of conditions can cause you to be short of breath and experience chest pain after you exercise. According to Medline Plus, some of those causes may be life-threatening, while others are not as critical.

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. Sometimes naturally occurring substances can be unsafe if their presence causes damage or disrupts natural cycles in the ecosystem.

Constipation is a common symptom that occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements in a week, or have problems passing hard stools. Many conditions, from medication to pregnancy to surgery, can cause constipation.