Research Paper Asthma

Alli Pope

English Comp 102-102 Mr. Neuberger 9 May 2012

Pope 2 Asthma is a bronchial disease that results in narrowing, blocked, or swelling of the bronchial passages. Over twenty million Americans are affected by this chronic disease, and around five hundred thousand hospital stays a year are results from asthma (What is Asthma?). There is still much to learn about this disease, while some people can handle their symptoms and live normal daily lives, others must balance medications and asthmatic episodes/ attacks. Causes and Risk Factors Although research about asthma is lacking, it has been determined that asthma does have a genetic disposition. This is why some children have mild asthma, then as they grow up it seems to go away. Some will have issues as adults, and others will live completely normal, daily lives. A trigger is the term used for things that cause people with asthma to have episodes, or even attacks. Different triggers affect different people, especially in different climates or regions. (Asthma) External triggers can include allergens, such as: dust mites, pollens, molds, pet dander, and cockroach droppings. Other external triggers could be smoke from fires, grills, or cigarettes; and sudden weather changes. Some internal triggers such as respiratory infections and expressing strong emotions, can be harder to avoid or control. (What is Asthma?) A number of factors can contribute to developing asthma. Starting at a young age, such things as: if a child is born with a low birth weight, or if the mother smoked while pregnant, can affect the childs lungs and increase the chances of developing asthma. Even genetically, if a family has a history of allergies, or if a blood relative has had hay fever or even asthma, can pass and lead to a child developing bronchial asthma. (Asthma) Not all asthma is developed as a
Common Allergies http://bit.ly/xWH4q

Pope 3 child; some adults with no history of asthma can develop and have episodes. Although many people with asthma have a family or personal history of allergies, some have no history (Zieve). Symptoms The major symptoms of asthma that most people recognize is wheezing and coughing. Though most asthmatics have symptom-free periods most have long term shortness of breath. Some uncommon symptoms are abnormal breathing patterns such as; temporarily stop breathing, chest pain, and or tightness in the chest. (Zieve) Just as people have different triggers, many have different symptoms. (About Asthma) Some other symptoms such as intercostal retractions, pulling in of the skin between the ribs while breathing, are rare. Symptoms such as bluish color to the lips or face, decreased alertness, severe drowsiness or confusion, extreme difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, severe anxiety, and sweating are considered emergency symptoms (Zieve). These symptoms should be taken very seriously for it leads to asthmatic attacks, and medical attention should be acquired. All of these symptoms can lead to daily complications. Daily complications that interfere with sleep,
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms. http://bit.ly/JFox5N

recreational activity, sick days at work or school, permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes, emergency room visits and

hospitalizations for severe attacks, and not to mention side effects from the medications used to stabilize severe asthma (Asthma). Tests and Diagnosing Asthma can be difficult to diagnose. Asthma has symptoms like many other diseases and illnesses, like emphysema, early congestive heart failure, or vocal cord problems (Basic Information). There are a few tests that can help determine lung functionality and peak flow

Pope 4 measurements. (Basic Information) Allergy testing can be one of the most helpful tests to identify triggers. Chest x-rays are also extremely helpful, for x-rays can show bronchial inflammations as well as possible heart inflammation. Blood tests are another way of testing for asthma. Checking the white blood cells (eosinophil) count, the immunoglobin (IgE) levels, and arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) help determine if lung functions are below normal. (Zieve) Measuring lung functionality is the main determinant of diagnosing asthma. Lung function tests can be done with or without medications. The spirometry test measures the narrowing of the bronchial
Spirometer Test http://bit.ly/uIvs9o

tubes. Some of this narrowing can be irreversible; some with persistent medication can possibly be recovered. (Asthma) Most asthmatics have a device called a peak flow meter. Peak flow meters simply measure how hard an exhalation is. If peak flow measurements are recorded often, it can be determined if the asthma is getting worse or better. Treatment Every case of asthma is different, and treatments need to be personalized and specialized for each individual person. Removing contact with triggers and keeping a sterile living environment can help minimize asthmatic episodes. Along with precautionary measures, medications may be needed. Asthma medications can be split into two categories, long term controllers and quick relievers. (What is Asthma?) Long term medications need to be taken every day to help prevent attacks. There are many types of long
Common Inhaler http://bit.ly/JtZmil

term medications, such as: inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene

modifiers, long-acting beta agonists (LABAS), combination inhalers, and theophylline. There are

Pope 5 also different types of quick relievers for when an attack is occurring. Some quick relievers include: short-acting beta agonists, ipratropium, and oral and intravenous corticosteroids. (Asthma) Long term medications and quick relievers work well to manage attacks and open airways when attacks do happen. When quick relievers are not relieving an attack though, medical attention is needed. It is important to make sure medications do not run out. Severe asthma attacks require a check up with a physician, and oxygen, breathing assistance, and possibly and IV could be needed (Zieve). There are also some current experimental medications being tested right now, as well as an experimental surgery for relieving the bronchial tubes of the inflammation. None have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration yet. Prognosis Although there is no cure for asthma many people can live normal lives without dealing with triggers or episodes. Symptoms can improve over time, although asthma never goes away. (Zieve) With proper medications and self-precaution many people can live without dealing with symptoms from their asthma. Although medications and doctor visits are expensive, it is necessary, and good insurance helps greatly. Finding a good asthma doctor greatly increases your chances
Difference of Bronchial Tubes http://1.usa.gov/tAQMLv

of controlling symptoms, and finding proper medications to live a normal daily life. If asthma is not treated or taken care of serious repercussions can follow, such as death, or permanent closing of some bronchial tubes (Zieve). There is no cure for asthma, but as technology advances more and more medications and treatments are being found. Millions of people around the world are affected by asthma, some have little to no symptoms, and others require inhalers and other medications daily.

Pope 6 Organizations such as, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, American Lung Association, and Centers for Disease Control and Preventing, provide information for basic asthma as well as where to go to find a doctor, and help getting insurance. There are many experimental drugs being work on, and some in the process of testing for the Federal Drug Administration.

Pope 7 Works Cited About Asthma. American Lung Association. American Lung Association. Web. 23 Apr. 2012. Asthma. Mayo Clini. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 27 May 2010. Web. 23 Apr. 2012. Basic Information: Asthma. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 Mar. 2012. Web. 24 Apr. 2012. What is Asthma? Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2005. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. Zieve, M.D., David, and Denis Hadjiliadis, M.D. Asthma. PubMed Health. U. S. National Library of Medicine, 1 May 2011. Web. 25 Apr. 2012.