What is asthma - Free Essay Example

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affect the bronchial tubes/airways; which are responsible for carrying air in and out of the lungs. The presence of asthma causes sensitivity and swelling in the bronchial tube. Sensitivity also known as hypersensitivity to the bronchial tubes will generate strong reactions/triggers to certain elements causing the muscles to narrow and tighten the tubes. Triggers can spawn from a cold, stress, allergies, exercise etc. It can lead to flare ups or asthma attacks. When narrowing occurs, the cells in the airways will respond by making more mucus than normal which blocks the airways and makes breathing difficult. Asthma can affect anyone at any point in life. It is estimated that more than 25 million people have asthma in the United States, and about 7 million out of the 25 million are children (Asthma, n. d.). With normal lung function breathing is effortless. Something that we would not give a second thought. Air begins to flow through the mouth or nose down the pharynx, through the larynx and down the trachea. It then goes into the two main airways known as the left and right bronchial tubes, expanding to smaller bronchioles and lastly reaching to small air sacs knows as alveoli. This is where exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occur. It’s the basic air flow process with a person that has normal lung functions. This process is not that simple when a patient is asthmatic. something as simple as breathing becomes a difficult task for an asthma patient and can even make them susceptible to developing hypoxia. Hypoxia is below-normal oxygen levels in the blood. It can eventually affect the lungs, and also cause damage to every cell, tissue and organ in the body due to the fact that the entire body needs adequate flow of oxygen. These complications can also lead to higher risk or chance of a heart attack. Every organ ASTHMA in the body has its purpose but when the body is not receiving enough oxygen it can cause the body to shut down and can even be fatal (Lung Function in Asthma, 2018)The cause of Asthma is not entirely known. Some researchers think that genes and environment factors play a role in the cause of asthma, especially early in life. Factors may include: inherited tendency to develop allergies (atopy), parents who already have asthma, certain respiratory infections during childhood, and exposure to a viral infections and airborne allergens. Not all people may have the same symptoms when going through an asthma episode, and not all people that experience these symptoms necessarily have asthma. These symptoms may include: wheezing, coughing (early morning, or night) chest tightening and/or shortness of breath. Symptoms may be triggered by allergens from dust, animal fur, roaches, mold, pollen from trees, flowers and grass. Cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals, medicines such as asp irin, anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfate in food and drinks, colds and physical activity are all factors in causing possible asthma attacks. (Asthma, n. d.)Although there is no cure for asthma, there are effective ways of treating and managing asthma. It can start by staying informed and learning to avoid specific triggers as well as taking all the medication needed as prescribed by the doctor/specialist. These controlled medications taken at home and inhaled are corticosteroids. Doctors may also prescribe lab test for further study although it should not be the sole therapy for asthma. Other medication may include leukotriene modifiers which are oral medication and anticholinergics and short acting beta agonist inhalers. They help open the airways and a quick relief to reduce symptoms of flareups (Asthma Treatment and Management. n. d.). If these medications are not working properly asthma patients should call 911 immediately or visit there PCP as soon as possible.