Asthma
By Josie Settembrino
Cause
- Airborne allergens: pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches, and dust mites
- Respiratory infections: common cold
- Physical activity: exercise-induced asthma
- Cold air
- Air pollutants and irritants: smoke
- Certain medications: beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Strong emotions and stress
- Sulfites and preservatives added into some foods and drinks: shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer, and wine
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Smoking does NOT cause asthma, it just provokes the symptoms
Signs and Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Coughing
- Wheezing or whistling when exhaling
Signs that asthma is worsening-
- Symptoms become more frequent
- Need to use inhaler more often
- Increasing difficulty breathing
Pictures About Asthma
Normal Airway and Airway During Asthma Symptoms
Normal Bronchiole and Asthmatic Bronchiole
A Person Using and Inhaler
Treatments & Cures
- Antileukotrienes and leukotriene modifiers
- Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Methylxanthines
- Oral corticosteroids
- Immunomodulators
5 Facts
- The are over 3 million cases of asthma in the US per year
- 456,000 hospitalizations and 1.75 million ER visits are caused by asthma
- There are almost 4,000 deaths per year due to asthma
- Extremely dry, wet, or windy weather can trigger asthma symptoms
- One of the most effective asthma medications is inhaled corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medications)