Causes And Effects Of Asthma

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Causes and Effects of Asthma in Children

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition effecting the airways and lungs of millions of Americans each year. In individuals with Asthma their airways become swollen, restricted and produce extra secretions ("Asthma," Mayo Clinic). Asthma has causes that range from cold air reaction, pollution within the air, viruses and allergies. The effects of asthma can be particularly hard on children because of underdeveloped lungs. Effects of asthma include restricted breathing, increased chances of viruses, and effects of medications additionally higher chance of hospitalization in children.
One theory is people with the condition have a higher amount of inflammation within their airways. Asthma is an inflammatory disease that is in response to inflammatory cells within the body. These inflammatory cells are known as Mast Cells. Common cells within the body that cause asthma inflammation are T Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, Macrophages and Eosinophil ("About Asthma" Inflammation and Asthma). The effect of different inflammation cells trigger changes from the immune system resulting in extra mucus in the lungs and constriction in breathing.
Another common belief is genetics plays a role in asthma development. In many cases asthma strongly runs within families. For example if the parents have asthma in some cases the child will develop asthma. There are several studies underway looking into the genetic factors in this condition. Currently with the use of genome sequencing there has been a total of five genetic links to asthma development. These genetic discoveries were found through what is known as Positional Cloning. The current genes that are found are ADAM 33, PHF11, DPP10, GPRA and SPINK5 ("Geneti...

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... and costs more ("Albuterol vs. Levalbuterol for Asthma Treatment in Children"). When a child is in severe asthma flare it is important to initiate oral steroids over inhaled because it has a better long-term effect on inflammation.
Asthma is a life long condition that affects millions of children each year. The effects of this condition are different for everyone and causes can change throughout the year. The causes and effects on a person very between age groups. Asthma causes range from cold air reaction, pollution within the air, viruses and allergies. Effects of asthma include restricted breathing, increased chances of viruses, and additionally higher chance of hospitalization in children. Asthma results in narrowed airways and difficulty breathing. In certain instances an attack develops resulting from triggers. The use of medication and monitoring is vital.

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