Pathophysiology Of Asthma

Asthma itself is an inflammatory disease characterized by increased airway responsiveness due to a variety of stimulus. The inflammation causes the hyper-responsiveness than in turn causes bronchiolar smooth muscle constriction, resulting in obstruction of airflow. Some

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the bronchial mucosa and hyperreactive bronchial tubes. Its etiology has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors. Several genes, including those that influence the production of proteins and cells involved in the immune response (such as interleukins, eosinophils, mast cells) have been linked with asthma. A decreased number of T-regulatory cells is also associated with asthma. Environmental factors linked with asthma include exposure to allergens, urban residence, and smoking (or exposure to secondary smoke). Recurrent respiratory tract viral infections may also contribute to the development of asthma. Decreased exposure to certain infectious organisms during early childhood, and the consequent underdevelopment of the immune response, can also lead to the development of asthma--this is known as the hygiene hypothesis (McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 1263-4).

Based on Ignatavicius and Workman, asthma is usually a chronic condition that causes obstruction. The pathophysiology behind asthma, is the hypersensitivity of the tissue in the lungs. When a trigger comes in to the lungs, the airway overreacts to it, and causes excessive swelling and mucous productions, which constrict the airway and makes it difficult for the individual to breath (2016). There are different types of trigger that can initiate an asthma attacks, and it also varies per individuals. Some of the triggers are allergens, dust mites, outdoor air

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. With asthma, there is inflammation of the air passages that results in a temporary narrowing of the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs. When this inflammation occurs, the asthma symptoms start to show, such as, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Even though there are many treatments for asthma symptoms, it is still a very serious disease that affects more than 22 million Americans and brings nearly 2 million E.R. visits per year. Asthma can be lived with very well as long as proper treatment measures are taken (Wrongdiagnosis).

It is derived from the Greek word “Aazein”, meaning to breathe sharply (Medicalnewstoday). Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the airways that lead to the lungs become inflamed and constrict thus reducing airflow and causing a shortness of breath along with a “wheezing” sound. Another familiar symptom is coughing, however this normally occurs at nighttime. If certain substances enter the airways it can cause irritation which in turn will inflame the airways which creates a much smaller path for air to flow. Symptoms can range from minor to severe. The airways also create mucus. Mucus is a thick slimy substance, which can also worsen the asthma if it sits in the airways to the lung if they are constricting. Asthma is classified as a chronic (long-term) lung disease. In the United States it affects over 25 million people, 7 million of which are children (nih). Asthma will never go away; even a healthy person with asthma can have symptoms occur with no warning. The strength of the symptoms can vary from mild asthma to severe asthma, and they can change abruptly in minutes. Occasionally if symptoms become more severe or worsen they can result to an asthma attack which makes it nearly impossible to breathe and if not treated immediately may become fatal.

Serious respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are a leading cause of morbidity and death worldwide. Asthma, a chronic disease that involves inflammation of the airways, bronchoconstriction, and intermittent (usually reversible) airflow obstruction, also affects numerous individuals worldwide. Both COPD and asthma are common obstructive lung disorders that affect over 49 million people in the US (1). While the pathology of asthma and COPD are distinct, both diseases share some features. Asthma is often a childhood disease, but some patients manifest symptoms or develop the disease as adults.

As the world population grows, so does the amount of people in this world with Asthma. “In the last decade, the proportion of people with Asthma in the USA grew nearly 15%, with 479,300 hospitalizations and 1.9 million emergency department visits in 2009 alone”(Kaur, Bani Preet). Asthma affects the bronchi, bringing of air into and out of the lungs. When an Asthma attack happens, the airways or passages to the lungs, swell up and close so the air passing through is very minimal, causing air not to be able to reach the lungs and pain to the person. In most cases it is not deadly unless not handled properly. This disease causes it to be harder to stay active than it is for others. It is easily manageable if properly diagnosed and properly treated. “4 million americans under 18 have Asthma” (Bronson). It is mistaken in young children for their crying and hiccuping is mistaken for Asthma. Especially when they are sick since they are unable to speak. Asthma is a painful

This paper discusses bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that involves a complex interaction of airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and an underlying inflammation. The paper begins with background information on the condition, followed by describing its mechanisms and breaking down its major components. It will also discuss the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment options for asthma. Throughout the paper, key concepts and terms associated with the disease are defined.

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects your airways. Your airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways become sore and swollen. That makes them very sensitive, and they may react strongly to things

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by episodes in which the bronchioles constrict due to oversensitivity. In asthma, the airways (bronchioles) constrict making it difficult to get air in or out of the lungs. Breathlessness is the main symptom. The bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed and constricted. Asthmatics usually react to triggers. Triggers are substances and situations that would not normally trouble an asthma free person. Asthma is either extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic is when the inflammation in the airway is a result of hypersensitivity reactions associated with allergy (food or pollen). Intrinsic asthma is linked to hyper responsive reactions to other forms of

The pathology of asthmatic symptoms is quite complex, and includes the effects of mast cells, eusinophils, T cell lymphocytes, mactrophages, neutrophila, and epithelial cells, which collectively lead to inflammation. Pathologic qualities of asthma include goblet cell hyperplasia leading to mucus overproduction, basement membrane thickening with subepithelial fibrosis, desquamation of the airway epithelium, bronchial smooth muscle hyperplasia, and cellular infiltration with lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils. Airflow obstruction is caused by the smooth muscle constriction around airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Exposure to allergens, irritants (eg smoke), and viral infections can also

Cardiff scientists have recently found a link to the airway inflammation found in asthma patients. This inflammation

1. INTRODUCTION. Asthma is one of the most common diseases of childhood, affecting more than million children’s. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that can cause repeated episodes of cough, wheezing and breathing difficulty.(1) During an acute asthma episode, the airway lining in the lungs becomes inflamed and swollen.

Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by coughing and wheezing, mainly caused by the inflammatory response and narrowing of the bronchioles.

Asthma is defined as the chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes (airways) in which the airways gets hyper responsive and become swollen. This in turn results in excess production of mucous