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Asthma
Deidre Barry
Anatomy and Physiology
Mr. Kotch F
Asthma is a disorder
of the airways in the
lungs. Asthma is also
classified as a disease
of the immune system.
Asthma consists of the following features:
•Airway obstruction
•Airway inflammation
•Airway hyper-responsiveness
Muscle in the
airway wall
squeezes the airway
narrower.
During an asthma
attack, the lining
of the airways
becomes inflamed
and swollen, and
the muscles around
the airway become
very narrow. A
thick mucus is also
produced.
The mucosa contain mucous
glands, which can sometimes
produce more mucus then
usual, filling up part of the
bronchial tube and causing
the airway to the lungs to
narrow.
The lining of the
airways become swollen
and inflamed, and
mucus increases.
Genes Involved with Asthma...
Beta-2 adrenergic receptor : This gene influences the
severity of asthma and the response to different asthma
medications.
Interleukin genes : Found on chromosome 5, these genes
influence susceptibility to asthma, and helps control
inflammation.
TNF-alpha : Contributes to inflammation and increases
the sensitivity of airways.
Is Asthma Genetic?
Asthma is a result of both genes and the
environment.Studies have shown excellent results for both
causes.
In families where neither parent had asthma... 6% of the children had asthma.
In families where one parent had asthma….
20% of the children had asthma.
In families where both parents had asthma...
60% of the children had asthma.
Also in a study involving twins, of 39 indentical
twins, 23 or 59% both had asthma. Of 55 nonidentical twins, 13 or 24% both were concordant.
Modern Treatments for asthma are designed to
reduce the inflammation in the airways, so asthma
attacks never develop. Other treatments are
designed to control an attack after it starts.
Asthma is related to the air in the environment
in which a person is subjected. Some factors
which can cause asthma or an attack include
tobacco, smoke, pollution, chemical fumes,
and dust-mites.
Also factors not associated with the air are the
amount of salt in one’s diet, lung infections, a
dog in the home, and an older sibling.
How long has asthma been around?
No one is sure of this answer, however many
historians have identified a word used by ancient
Egyptians to mean asthma over several millennia ago.
Today, our word for asthma, is of Greek origin, and
mean painting.
The Island of Tristan de Cunha is one of the most
interesting populations with asthma, with over 44% of
the population affected. Of all the islands in the world,
Tristan de Cunha is the most remote. The island is
located in the southern Atlantic Ocean and the closest
human habitation to Tristan de Cunha is 1200 miles
away. This island is a perfect example of the “founder
effect.” William and Suzanna Glass founded the island
in 1816, and the population is now about 300. This
means that the entire population was formed by very few
men and woman.
Bibliography
Www.webmd.com
www.medbroadcast.com