Asthma
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Many pulmonary diseases are caused as a consequence of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Such is not the case for asthma, “the result of processes that inflame the airways to contract, impeding the flow of air in and out of the lungs” (Klag 69). When a patient suffers from asthma, the usual symptoms include tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing and coughing. When doctors attempt to diagnose asthma they use a variety of methods, including lung functioning as measured by pulmonary performance tests, chest x-rays, and allergy tests aimed at revealing sensitivity levels to a variety of substances. Asthma is an inflammatory disease brought on in the majority of cases by allergic reactions in the individual to allergens. Asthma afflicts millions of individuals and a third of them are children, “asthma affects some 15 million people in the United States alone. The disease is responsible for an estimated 100 million days of restricted activity each year and more than 5,000 deaths. Some 5 million children are asthmatic, making it the most common childhood disease” (Shapiro 1). Because of children being the most susceptible population, early diagnosis and intervention in terms of treatment and management are even more crucial to this vulnerable population whose immune systems and bodies are only beginning to develop. There are two primary types of asthma, intermittent and persistent. The milder form o
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oxide concentration and airway inflammation…Regulation of airway pH may have a role in asthma pathophysiology” (Haveles 2). These and other studies into the pathophysiology of asthma are crucial to developing more effective methods of managing and treating the disorder. We will now review some of the present management and treatment options available for those who suffer from this breathing disorder.
Treatment & Management
There are various modalities of treatment for asthma. However, like many ailments early detection of asthma can be crucial in preserving healthy lung function. The symptoms described above are almost always observable, and devices like peak flow meters are available to measure breathing ability. Since one of the biggest catalysts in the onset of asthma is an inflamed airway, the first step typically involves attempts at reducing the inflammation. Many asthma sufferers treat and manage asthma through prevention. The use of cromolyn sodium (Intal) and corticosteroids are the most popular forms of controlling the affliction. These are typically administered through metered dose inhalers. When an acute attack of asthma occurs, the individual is equipped with a bronchodilator which frees the obstructed air
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Approximate Word count = 2227
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)
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