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By: Matthew Medrana 8/20/13. Project. Asthma. A chronic (long-term) lung disease that narrows and inflames the airways. Those with this disease have a difficult time breathing. What are its symptoms?. Chest tightness Shortness of breath Wheezing Frequent coughing. What are its causes?.
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By: Matthew Medrana 8/20/13 Project
Asthma • A chronic (long-term) lung disease that narrows and inflames the airways. • Those with this disease have a difficult time breathing.
What are its symptoms? • Chest tightness • Shortness of breath • Wheezing • Frequent coughing
What are its causes? • The exact cause of this disease is unknown but can still occur through numerous factors… • Environment • Ex.) contact with allergens and irritants • Airborne allergens • Ex.) mold, pollen • Smoking • Strenuous exercise • Respiratory infections • Ex.) common cold, bronchitis • Food allergies • Ex.) eggs, fish • Cold air • Genetics
What is its frequency or rate? (How common is this disease?) • Over 25 million people in the United States have been affected. • If one parent has asthma, 1/3 chance the child will have it. • If both parents have asthma, 7/10 chance the child will have it. • It could occur in any age based on numerous factors (refer to next slide).
What are the risk factors? • Being a smoker • Eating junk food • Exposure to secondhand smoke • Having a family member with asthma • Exposure to exhaust fumes or other kinds of pollution
How is the disease diagnosed? • Check your local healthcare provider or primary care doctor to determine the severity of asthma. • The disease will be checked based on the following (may not always occur depending on severity): • Medical and family histories • If you or family members have asthma, allergies, or another lung disease(s) • Physical exam • Doctor will check for signs, such as a runny nose, wheezing, or allergic skin conditions (including eczema) • Diagnostic tests • Lung function test, also known as spirometry, to see how much you breathe in and out • Other tests • Allergy tests, X-ray check (by the chest area), EKG (electrocardiogram), etc.
What is the treatment? • Unfortunately, there’s no cure. • However it can be controlled through the following suggestions: • Meet with your doctor or health care providers for an asthma action plan. • Continue to stay physically active (make sure activity is not too strenuous). • Medicines that are prescribed by your doctor.
Additional Info. http://goanimate.com/videos/0v3pbr_X6ovc?utm_source=linkshare
References • http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma/printall-index.html • http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/asthma/ • http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma_in_children/article.htm • http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=causes • http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=42 • http://goanimate.com/videos/0v3pbr_X6ovc?utm_source=linkshare And don’t forget… save a life!