Asthma

1. By Austin, Dylan and Ben Asthma

2. Asthma is most common among children. Allergies Tobacco Smoke Environmental factors (air pollution, mold, noxious fumes, etc.). Obesity Pregnancy Stress Genes (over 100 genes are linked to Asthma) Airway Hyperreactivity Asthma is not contagious What Causes Asthma?

3. In response to a trigger, an asthma attack can cause airway inflammation, bronchial restriction and irregular airway obstruction. Airway inflammation is the body's response to an irritant and is characterized by swelling, breathing passageway restriction and mucus secretion. Bronchial restriction occurs when the muscles in your airways constrict and tighten around your bronchial tubes (the breathing tubes in your lungs). Mucus or fluid that is secreted by the reaction can obstruct your airway and make it increasingly difficult to breathe effectively. How Does Asthma Harm the Body?

4. Wheezing Chest tightness Coughing Feeling short of breath What are the Symptoms?

5. 31.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma Approximately 300 million people have been diagnosed with asthma world wide. 250 thousand people die from asthma each year. 70% of asthmatics have allergies 13 million school days are missed each year due to asthma How Common is Asthma?

6. Avoid your asthma triggers (smoke, allergies, cold air…) Use your asthma medications as prescribed (inhalers etc.) What are the Treatments?

7. www.livestrong.com/article/26162-asthma-affect-body www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/asthma http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/asthma-asthme/signs-signes/index_e.php http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/asthma-statistics.aspx All these sites are trusted medical sites. Sources