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Understanding Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Strategies

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes airways to narrow and inflame, making breathing difficult. Common symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and frequent coughing. While the exact cause is unknown, factors such as environmental allergens, genetics, and respiratory infections can play a role. Over 25 million people in the U.S. are affected, with diagnosis requiring medical history, physical exams, and lung function tests. Although there is no cure, asthma can be managed through an action plan, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

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Understanding Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Strategies

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Presentation Transcript

  1. By: Matthew Medrana 8/20/13 Project

  2. Asthma • A chronic (long-term) lung disease that narrows and inflames the airways. • Those with this disease have a difficult time breathing.

  3. What are its symptoms? • Chest tightness • Shortness of breath • Wheezing • Frequent coughing

  4. 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

  5. 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).

  6. 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

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Additional Info. http://goanimate.com/videos/0v3pbr_X6ovc?utm_source=linkshare

  10. 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!

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