世界哮喘日是为了增强人们对哮喘疾病的认识。该节日由全球哮喘防治创议委员会发起。多家健康医疗组织共同集资，帮助委员会传播哮喘日。分发宣传单，创建网站，提高民众对数百万哮喘病人的关注。他们的目的是要救治所有哮喘病患者，帮助他们控制病情。特别是减少全球哮喘死亡人数。许多不同组织会在全球筹集善款，资助哮喘病研究。世界哮喘日发起于1998你那。每年的侧重点有所不同。

Asthma is a very common disease throughout the world. It affects people’s breathing by irritating the airways. These are the small tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. A number of things can happen that cause the airways to get smaller and become inflamed. This makes breathing very uncomfortable and can cause death. People can have an “asthma attack” after breathing in things like cigarette smoke, perfume, dust or even moist air. Other triggers that can set off an attack are exercise and emotional stress. The symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. Asthma is increasing in cities. Health officials report that up to 25 per cent of children in urban areas suffer from the condition.

哮喘病是全球普遍疾病。它通过刺激呼吸道来影响呼吸。这些小气管为肺部运送氧气。导致呼吸道变窄，发炎的诱因有许多。这些诱因会致呼吸困难，或引起死亡。像二手烟、香水、粉尘甚至是湿润空气都会引起哮喘病发作。其它诱因包括锻炼，情绪紧张。症状包括呼吸短促、胸闷、咳嗽。城市哮喘病与日俱增。据健康部门报道，城市哮喘病儿童达25%。

1.shortness of breath 气短

例句：In both cases can lead to shortness of breath.

以上两种情况均可导致气短。

2.emotional stress 精神紧张

例句：Even emotional stress can lead to strain and pain.

甚至精神紧张也能导致压迫和疼痛。

3.provide with 给…提供

例句：The company will provide you with vocational training.

公司将为你提供职业培训。

4.set off 激起

例句：The arrival of the charity van set off a minor riot as villagers scrambled for a share of the aid.

救济物资车的到来引发了小小的骚乱,村民们争先恐后地想抢到一份援助物资。