Asthma: A Serious Lung Disease

What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lungs which can result in periodic  obsturction of the airflow. Currently there is no cure for Asthma but can only be controlled in most patients with proper treatment. This disease is long term and often progressive in which airways become blocked. As the airway becomes inflammed , they are more sensitive to a variety of "triggers (mold, pollution, pollen, dust, cockroaches, pets and other pests) for breathing problems.

Impact of Asthma The number of Asthma sufferers has more than doubled from 6.7 million in 1980 to 17.3 million in 1998. Of the total number of people with Asthma, 4.8 million are children Asthma is believed to be the most common reason students miss school. Asthma is a problem among all races (but death rate and hospitalization for Blacks are three times the rate of Whites. Asthma hits hardest in among the poor, inner-city dwellers. In 1995 more than 5000 Americans died from asthma.

Cost of Asthma Hospitalizations due to Asthma total to 500,000 a year. Death due to Asthma has tripled over the past two decades Even though, treatments have improved, visits to the Emergency room due to this disease continue to increase. The estimated cost of Asthma by this year will exceed 14.5 billion dollars.

Here are the FACTS about ASTHMA

RISK FACTORS There are risk factors which include genetic predisposition and environmental exposures that can either lead a person to develop asthma or lead a person with asthma to have an attack Antibody IgE---genetic factor characteristed by the production of circulating IgE in response to common environmental allergens. Dust Mite  -  tiny bugs you cannot see that live in cloth and carpets. Cockroaches - allergies occur to dried remains and droppings of these pests Fungus - are molds which are found indoors and outdoors. Other risk factors include Pets, Pests, Pollen, Smoking and Pollution

Symptoms of Asthma While experiencing an attack, a person may go through periods of worsening chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, waking up at night, shortness of breath Coughing                                                 Wheezing - Tightness of the Chest                             Shortness of Breath

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