Essay, Research Paper: Asthma

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects people of all ages. It can be
severe and is sometimes fatal. It is primarily caused by inflammation of the
airways which causes them to be hyper-irritated and respond with mucus
production and decreased air flow. This irritability may be associated with cough,
wheezing, shortness of breath and mucus production. This condition is usually
reversible with the proper medical management.
The tendency to have extra-irritable ( twitchy ) airways may have an
inherited component, or may be acquired. This tendency is, then , acted on by any
number of stimuli (singly or in combination) including: air temperature,
respiratory viruses, pollution, odors, allergens, stress, chemicals, dust and cigarette
smoke ( active or passive ). The two most important triggers for people are
respectively viruses and cigarette smoke.
Spasm of the bronchial's smooth muscle, may play a role in immediate
symptoms of asthma, but is much less a factor than previously believed. Airway
inflammation is, by far, the more important factor. Some asthma can triggered only
by vigorous exercise which causes airway irritability in susceptible individuals due

to drying of the airways because of rapid breathing in and out.
Many different cells in the lining of the airways produce chemicals which
are responsible for asthma symptoms. Most asthma symptoms can be well
controlled with the proper use of various medicines, regular medical care, and
self-monitoring of the air flow and symptoms. Even a well-controlled asthmatic
who is usually symptom-free on a given therapeutic scheme may except one or
more acute symptom flares a year. Most frequently, these flares result from viral
respiratory tract infection and can be treated more easily if caught early in the
course of the flare.
Inhaled mediums are the mainstay of asthma treatment. These can be either
beta agonists such as Ventolin, Proventil ( which relax tight airway muscles ) or
they can be anti-inflammatory inhalers such as Intal, Vanceril, Azmacort.
Combined therapy may be recommended for some people, depending upon the
nature and severity of the symptoms.
Oral bronchodilators such as theophylline or oral beta agonists may occasionally
be of assistance in addition to inhaled medicines. Currently, however, they play a
far less important role in asthma treatment than they previously did. Oral
Prednisone is the ultimate asthma medicine due to its potent anti-inflammatory
actions, and can be safely taken in moderately strong doses of short periods of
time. Long-term oral Prednisone treatment may be indicated for severe asthma
which fails to respond to all other measures. Side effects of long-term Predinsone
treatment include gastritis, ulcers, weakening of bones, thin skin, easy bruising and
suppression of the normal adrenal gland, cortisone response to stress. These side
effects can be minimized ( but not eliminated ) by the following special dosage
schedules.
Another unique way of treatment is by watching the environment that you
are in! Dust is one of the most common irritant that can give you that " twitchy "
feeling. Many people diagnosed with asthma don't feel like exercising, and many
others are to afraid to. Dr. Sarah Robins said, " You should look up to athletes like
Jackie Joyner-Kersee she holds many World Records, and asthma didn't stop her!
So all asthmatic are encourage to be the best at what they do!"
People who are asthmatic should take many precautions. Untreated asthma
can be fatal. The main reason for asthma-related deaths are ( 1 ) failure to patient
ot recognize the severity of the attack and waiting to use inhalers despite escalating
symptoms; ( 2 ) physician failure to recognize increase inflammatory symptoms
early in the attack.
Symptoms that may indicate worsening condition in a known asthmatic may
include: increase need for a beta agonist inhaler for relief, symptoms interfering
with normal activities of daily living, symptoms a night. Any increase in shortness
of breath, cough, wheeze, or sputum production should be evaluated.
Asthma that is well controlled may be asymptomatic. The optimal path for
good control lies in continuity of medical care. For this reason it is very important
to keep regular clinic visits ( frequency depending on symptoms ) even when you
feel well. This helps to prevent problems from developing, or to catch problems
earlier while treatment is easier.
If breathing symptoms ( including cough, shortness of breath, wheeze,
sputum production ) interfere with activities of daily living or sleep, or if persist
for a long time, medical evaluation is indicated.
Please take care of yourself and each other, please see a doctor just for a
check-up!