Transcript Asthma Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Causes: -Chronic airway inflammation - excessive airway sensitivity - it can be.

Asthma
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of
the lungs (bronchioles).
Causes:
-Chronic airway inflammation
- excessive airway sensitivity
- it can be hereditary
Symptoms:
-wheezing
-breathlessness
- chest tightness
- coughing
- difficulty speaking
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/asthma/article_em.htm
Asthma’s Impact on Lives
-
People have to alter their lifestyle to keep the disease under control
Asthma can cause school and work absence, and a loss in
productivity
Must carry an inhaler
Can’t smoke
-
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/asthma/article_em.htm
What is the Biology behind
Asthma?
Inside the bronchioles there are cells
called antigen-presenting cells which
ingest inhaled allergens. With nonasthmatics immunizing cells inspect the
allergens and usually ignore them but with
asthmatics their cells respond by inflaming
causing asthma attacks.
Mayo Clinic Staff. June 29, 2007. Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and Research.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/asthma/AS00003/METHOD=print
What would be needed to cure
or prevent Asthma?
•
•
In order for Asthma to be fully
cured in a person a drug would be
needed to “de-sensitize” the cells
lining the bronchioles airways.
Once the cells are de-sensitized the
airway won’t inflame from
sensitivity.
Mayo Clinic Staff. May 31, 2008. Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and
Research. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=symptoms