Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways, which makes it difficult breathing air in and out of the lungs. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. As a result muscles around them tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways may make more mucus than normal.

Imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing and management of asthma which helps in differentiating the other diseases from asthma and helps in treatment procedures. The imaging techniques that are used in diagnosis and management of asthma patients include digital radiogrphy, fluoroscopy, helical CT, HRCT and nuclear medicine. Multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) and hyperpolarized gas magnetic resonance imaging (HP MRI) can detect structural and ventilation abnormalities in asthma. Chest radiology shows hyperinflation during acute disease. HRCT is used in identifying lung structure, bronchial wall thickening, bronchial luminal narrowing and air trapping.