What are the characteristics of asthma?

Depends: Not all asthmatics have the same symptoms. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, etc are typical. In general, after an attack your lung function usually goes back to normal. Attacks can be caused by a number of "triggers'. Animal dander, dust mites, pollution, pollen, exercise, cold air, etc should be discussed with your physician. Removing or minimizing exposure to these can certainly help.