Asthma
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Transcript of Asthma
What is Asthma
Airway become smaller or narrower due to:• Underlying inflammation or swelling• Increased mucus production• Contraction of muscles around the airways or
bronchospasm.
http://www.lung.org/associations/states/colorado/asthma/Asthma.html
Affects the body
Asthma affects the body by limiting the flow of air into the lungs. This happens when certain substances trigger an asthma attack cholinergic receptors in the airways respond by tightening the muscles.
Asthma Symptoms
Symptoms may include:• Coughing• Wheezing• Chest tightness• Shortness of breath• Excessive fatigue
People with asthma get symptoms because the airways get smaller and the increased mucus production is forming.
Diagnostics
The doctor makes an asthma diagnosis after:• Taking a complete history• Performing a physical exam• Having the student perform breathing tests
Medications
There is no cure for asthma but there’re some medications that are used to treat, prevent and control asthma. There are two main asthma medications:
1. Anti- inflammatories- this prevents attacks and work by reducing swelling and mucus production in the airways.
2. Inhaled corticosteroids- to reduce airway inflammation and mucus production. This leads to better asthma control with fewer symptoms.