Overview
Unit IV: Asthma - Part I
To Prepare
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs in which the patient's airways become temporarily constricted, making breathing difficult. Although the condition was virtually unknown in the early 1900s, today it affects 20.3 million people in the United States and kills 5,000 of them per year. From 1980 to 1994, the prevalence of asthma increased 75%. Asthma rates in children under the age of 5 have increased more than 160% in the same time period. The exact reason for the increased prevalence of asthma is not known, but the following observations offer clues:
- Asthma "attacks" can be triggered by the common cold, exercise, cold air, emotional stress, viral infections, aspirin, industrial air pollutants, smoking, obesity, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.
- Having two parents with asthma increases a child's chances of having the disease. Approximately 40% of children who have asthmatic parents also develop asthma.
- The disease tends to cluster in England and English-speaking countries.
- Exposure of children to dust mites, cats, cockroaches, molds, and mildews increases their chances of getting the disease.
- Children who are exposed to common parasites seem to have a better-developed immune system than children not exposed to parasites. These exposed children do not suffer asthma as frequently.
- Exposure to occupational agents such as dyes may trigger the onset of adult asthma.
- Poverty seems to be a substantial risk factor for the development of asthma.
- Review this website for more information http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/default.htm
Post: Factors that trigger an asthma attack have changed since the 1900s. As a researcher, how would you put together the clues (information) given here to explain the emerging epidemic? Why do you think Europeans, especially the English are most affected by asthma? (10 points)
Respond: Respond to at least two of your colleagues by commenting on the strengths and weaknesses of their post. (5 points)
Grading:
Use complete sentences in your response and appropriately cite the source(s) of your answer using APA format. You must use at least 2 sources (your textbook can be one) to support your answer. You must respond to at least two of your group member's posts.
For all Discussions that require Responses, your post will be due several days prior to your responses. Please check the course syllabus for deadlines. Only one due date will show in Brightspace; however, you must post by the deadline in the syllabus to earn full credit.
References
Asher, M.I., et al. 1998. Worldwide variation in the prevalence of asthma symptoms: The international study of asthma and allergies in childhood. European Respiratory Journal 12:315–35.
Doyle, Roger. 2000. Asthma worldwide. Scientific American, June, 30.