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What is asthma? - Coggle Diagram
What is asthma?
[definition]
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. Swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs (the airways) makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow.
symptoms
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breathing speeds up and gets shallower, breathlessness aka shortness of breath (like running out of air), difficulty in breathing
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treatments
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control and prevent asthma symptoms using inhalers which transport medication along the affected airways using a liquid mist or fine powder to treat the problem at its source
reliever medications
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contain beta-agonists which relax constricted muscles, allowing the airways to widen so more air can travel into and out of the lungs
preventive medications
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contain corticosteroids which reduce airway sensitivity and inflammation to keep asthma under control and prevent long-term damage from chronic inflammation which can cause scarring of the airways
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triggers
outdoor air pollution: tobacco smoke aka secondhand smoke, wood smoke, road dust, fragrances (perfume) & cosmetics, nitrogen dioxide emissions (emissions from the burning of fuel as cooking on a gas stove), factory emissions, car exhaust fumes
infections (common colds, flu), cold air, temperature changes
exercise (aerobic sports, strenuous activity), stress
allergies (allergens: pollen, house dust mites/dust, mould, animal danger/fur, chemical irritants)
complications
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stress, anxiety or depression
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in untreated severe asthma attacks, the body cannot keep up which can lead to death from lack of oxygen
factors
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environmental: the link between poverty and asthma incidents - exposure to additional pollutants and environmental irritants, difficulties in obtaining medical care or treatment while in poverty
prevention
vacuum carpets and soft furniture using a vacuum with a HEPA [aka high-efficiency particulate absorbing] filter
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turn on the exhaust fan, open windows, vent to the outside while cooking on a gas stove
seal cracks in cabinets, store food in airtight containers
[mechanism description]
Respiratory system is affected, particularly the smaller airways (= 2mm) such as the bronchi and bronchioles. These airways have an inner lining called the mucosa that’s surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle. The airways are chronically inflamed which makes them hyper-responsive to certain triggers. The smooth rings of muscle that circle the small airways in the lungs contract and become narrow. Simultaneously, the trigger worsens inflammation, causing the mucosal lining to become more swollen and secrete more mucus.
serious conditions
An asthma attack (exacerbation): Under normal condition, the body uses this mucus to trap and clear particles, like pollen and dust. During the asthma attack, it blocks the narrowed airways, making it even harder to breathe.
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as the airways constrict, air whistles as it passes through the narrowed space - wheezing noise
(Lung) hyperinflation: an excess of air in the lungs due to the inflammation that makes it harder to exhale than inhale. The trapping of air inside the lungs forces the body to work harder to move air in and out of them. This can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to the body’s organs and tissues.