Asthma

1. Asthma Kristen BozzaShea Stearney

2. General description of the pathology • Airflow is limited by bronchocontstriction, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. There is allergy induced asthma and exercise induced asthma.

3. Exercise-induced asthma • Exercise-induced asthma occurs when the airways tighten and cause asthmatic systems as a result of exercise. Exercise-induced asthma can be prevented if prescribed medication is taken before exercising.

4. parts of the respiratory system affected by asthma • During an asthma attack, the muscles around the bronchioles constrict, which prohibits the air in the alveoli to be released; thus, the lungs become over inflated.

5. Triggers/causes for an asthma attack • Animals (pet hair or dander) • Dust • Changes in weather (most often cold weather) • Chemicals in the air or in food • Exercise • Mold • Pollen • Respiratory infections, like a cold • Strong emotions (stress) • Tobacco smoke

6. Symptoms of the condition • There is a cough with or without phlegm production • Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing • Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity • Chest tightness or pain • Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing • An audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling

7. Treatments • Medicine for long-term control:- inhaled corticosteroids- leukotriene modifiers (oral medication)- long-acting beta agonists- combination inhalers- theophylline • Quick relief medicine:- short-acting beta agonists- ipratroprium (atrovent)- oral and intravenous corticosteroids

8. Prognosis • Most people do not die from having asthma, but more severe cases of asthma may rarely lead to death. About 5,000 people die each year from an asthma related death.