Disabilities
Asthma
What causes it?
Asthma is not known to have a specific cause. Sometimes it is inherited or even developed due to some factor or exposure. Some risk factors include genetics, allergies, medical conditions, age, exposure to toxins, and ethnic background.
How does it affect someone's body and mind?
An important component of asthma is inflammation, which can cause the airways to be more sensitive and narrow than usual, initially making it harder to breathe. In the lungs, the airways may become inflamed due to the reaction to various triggers, like physical activity, cold air, stress, irritants such as tobacco smoke, dust, and pollen. In addition, the muscles around the airways tighten. All of this can result in airflow reduction, and may cause asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
Can it be cured, or are there treatments that help alleviate the symptoms?
Asthma is identified as a chronic condition. Thus far it is incurable, but one can work to manage it by being aware and conscious of it's triggers, and visiting one's physician regularly. Also, people with asthma usually possess an inhaler, or pump, which is used to help in loosening up the airways, making it easier to breathe.
What sort of adaptions/changes can be made to the enviornment to help someone with this disability?
One can reduce their exposure to allergens that trigger asthma by paying attention to warning signs that occur, treating symptoms early, and being aware of the amount of one's physical activity. To reduce the risk of making it worse in the home environment one might keep the windows closed due to pollen in it's season, sanitize house appliances due to dust and dirt, and also vacuuming and bathing pets if one is in contact.
What recent strides have been made in the research and awareness of this disability?
Over the years, companies have invested millions of dollars to fund children centers for asthma all over the United States. The month of May is dedicated to make people aware of this disability. It is called National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.
What are some interesting facts about this disability?
- In children, boys are more likely to develop asthma than girls are.
- In adults, women are more likely to develop asthma than men are.
- Asthma costs the country more than $50 billion every year in health care costs.