AsthmaDeidre Barry

Anatomy and Physiology

Mr. Kotch F

Asthma consists of the following features:

•Airway obstruction

•Airway inflammation

•Airway hyper-responsiveness

Asthma is a disorder of the airways in the lungs. Asthma is also classified as a disease of the immune system.

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 non-identical 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