In a 1999 article in the New York Times, a reporter observed, “The rapid rise in asthma, in this country and in developed nations around the world, is one of the biggest mysteries in modern medicine.” Epidemiologic evidence suggests that she was not exaggerating. The number of Americans with asthma has increased by 28% since 2001 (“National Health Interview Survey”). The economic impact of asthma in inflation-adjusted dollars has grown from over $10 billion in 1990 to over $56 billion in 2007 (Barnett 148). Although the burden of this chronic pulmonary condition in the general population is high, poor housing conditions and proximity to environmental hazards disproportionately affect certain groups, making these populations more vulnerable …show more content…
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by inflamed airways within the lungs. In the disease, airways become swollen and very sensitive upon reaction to certain inhaled substances or physical exertion. When the airways react, the muscles tighten around them. This narrows the airways, reducing airflow into the lungs (”What is Asthma?”) During these events, there is often a feeling of tightness and a wheezy or rattling sound in the chest. Asthma symptoms vary in severity from occasional spells of breathlessness to daily wheezing that persists despite treatment. Symptoms include severe cough, abnormal breathing pattern, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain. In emergency situations, symptoms may also include rapid pulse, sweating, fatigue, decreased alertness and a bluish color to the lips and face (“Asthma Attack”). An acute asthma exacerbation is commonly referred to as an asthma attack (“What is Asthma?”). Patients liken asthma attacks to suffocating. Action Against Asthma, a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, featured a graphic description of the …show more content…
If asthma is suspected as a possible disease, doctors will perform a physical examination, paying close attention to the eyes, ear, nose, throat, skin, chest and lungs. A doctor may also perform a pulmonary function test using a peak airflow meter or spirometry to detect how well an individual exhales air from their lungs. Other means of diagnosis include an X-ray of the lungs or sinuses, a trigger test, or an allergy test (“How Is Asthma
While unfortunately asthma is not a curable disease, for most asthmatics its can be well controlled meaning there will less symptoms or flare-ups and limits to your life. With correct medication, knowledge about the disease and skills, asthma shouldn’t stop you. There are many treatment options available when it comes to asthma. Asthma treatments vary from your basic asthma inhalers to steroids and other anti-inflammatory medicines and asthma nebulizer (Breathing Machine). (Anon., n.d.) The role that medical practitioners play with asthma is a very precise job. This role includes assessment, diagnosis, prescription of regular medications, provision of written action plans, and regular review as well as managing asthma flare-ups. Asthma-related visits to a general practitioner may occur for a variety of reasons, including: the acute or reactive management of asthma symptoms, a visit for maintenance activities, such as monitoring and prescription of regular medications and referral to other health professionals. (Anon.,
Asthma is when someone has trouble breathing. This is caused by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs. It can be triggered by allergies or sensitivities to something specific. Your bodies become stimulated and the through constricts, giving a feeling of not being able to breath. This can become very severe and is able to kill.
The best way to diagnose asthma is to see a doctor to review any medical and family history and discuss the type and frequency of symptoms. It is also recommended to have a physical exam and participate in a lung function tests, also known as the pulmonary function tests. Some of the tests
Breathing is a vital process for every human. Normal breathing is practically effortless for most people, but those with asthma face a great challenge. During an asthma attack, breathing is hampered, making it difficult or even impossible for air to flow through the lungs. Asthma is an increasingly common problem, and has become the most common chronic childhood disease. At least 17 million Americans suffer from it(1), and although it can be fatal, it is usually not that severe(4). There is no cure for asthma, but with proper care, it can usually be controlled.
Allergic Asthma is a chronic disorder that can impact the patient quality of life. This diagnosis is made through a
Asthma is the exaggerated hyperresponsiveness of the airway to a stimuli or allergen resulting in inflammation. The migration of inflammatory cells to the damaged bronchial epithelium contributes to the congestion
Asthma is a chronic medical condition affecting a significant portion of the United States population. Inflammation is present in the bronchus and bronchioles, whose primary goal is to delivery oxygen to the lungs. Due to this inflammation, a cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath develop as the lungs struggle to maintain proper oxygen levels. Symptoms of asthma can come and go making asthma diagnosis difficult, therefore; it is important to be aware of triggers that may cause symptoms for individuals.2
Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the walls of your airways. These airways are made up of tubes that allow air to pass in and out of your lungs. Inflammation, as well as, increased production of mucus can cause narrowing and obstruction of these tubes, making it difficult to breathe. There are many factors that play a role in the development of asthma such as; exercise, occupation, stress, anxiety and allergens. Common symptoms patients may experience are; shortness of breath, wheezing, dyspnea, tachycardia, cough and sleep disturbances. These can be alleviated with medications and lifestyle changes. Long term asthma control medications are used to prevent asthma attacks and treat chronic symptoms. Rescue medications are used to treat a
A common lung condition affecting people of all ages often starting in childhood, although can appear for first time in adults. Asthma is an attack of shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing due to swelling (inflammation) or a spasm of the bronchial tube. The inflammation makes the breathing tubes highly sensitive so they become narrow temporarily. Symptoms are coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, tight chest with the severity of symptoms varying from person to person. Symptoms usually come and go, although for some people are more persistent. Hypersensitivity to allergens, such as pollen, pet hair, dust mites and various food types may trigger an asthma attack. Asthma can be exacerbated by exercise, anxiety, stress and\or smoking.
Asthma causes swelling of the airways. This results in narrowing of the airways that carry air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. Allergens or irritating things entering the lungs trigger asthma symptoms. Symptoms include trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest. In severe cases, asthma can be
Asthma is one of the most common health problems in the United States that can not only affect patients' lives, at school or work, but also creates a significant burden on society. Diagnosis and management of asthma has traditionally been accomplished by clinical, exam, pulmonary function testing and patients perceived level of symptoms. The key factor in asthma is airway inflammation. Until recently, airway inflammation was very difficult to evaluate. It usually required invasive procedures that in some instances would not give us a complete answer. Without a knowledge of airway inflammation, clinicians can over or underestimate the severity of asthma and in turn may not provide the most effective
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that lead to difficulties in respiration (Kaufman & Kent 2015). It occurs when airways are over-sensitive and easily respond to a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli such as allergens, smoke, stress, emotions, medication, weather, exercise, and colds or the flu (Kaufman & Kent 2015). These triggers can offset common asthma symptoms including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath (Kaufman & Kent 2015). The type of trigger, severity, and timing of an asthma attack is unpredictable and different for everyone. In the case study, Joseph has had episodes of acute exacerbation reducing in severity in the early phases but has not experienced an attack for the last
Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by coughing and wheezing, mainly caused by the inflammatory response and narrowing of the bronchioles.
Most everyone has heard of or has been affected by the disease asthma. It may be firsthand or possibly someone in one’s immediate family has the disease. There could be a co-worker in one’s workplace that is missing work regularly in order to manage their symptoms or exacerbations. It is possible that all one knows is from the headlines of the news reports read or listened to. Not that long ago the disease known as asthma had been something someone else was suffering from. Today, asthma suffers are all too common and in need of health care solutions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], (2011), the diagnosis of people with
Asthma can be defined as a chronic pulmonary disease that involves inflammation and bronchospasms. To fully understand asthma and its attributes, one must understand the pathophysiology of asthma, including the lower respiratory tract, and the bronchiolar smooth muscle.