Unexpected Discovery Offers Insight into Mechanisms of Asthma, Other Diseases. The images show human bronchial epithelial cells obtained from a normal donor (left) and an asthmatic donor. The color-coded bar reflects the speed at which the cells move. Credit: Jeffrey Fredberg and Jin-Ah Park A new study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals an unexpected discovery – In people with asthma, the cells that line the airways in the lungs are unusually shaped and “scramble around like there’s a fire drill going on.” The findings could also have important ramifications for research in other areas, notably cancer, where the same kinds of cells play a major role. The physics of biology The researchers decided to look at the detailed shape and movement of cells from the asthmatic airway because, according to Fredberg, a growing body of research is showing that physical forces change how cells form, grow, and behave. To analyze cell movement, the researchers took time-lapse images of epithelial cells.
Next steps. Social Security and SSI Disability for Asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system that involves inflammation of the airways. Asthma-related inflammation causes excessive mucous production within the airways, which results in constricted airways. Asthma is triggered by various stimuli, such as pets, medication, pollutions, chemicals, hormones, exposure to cigarette smoke, cold viruses, and other pathogens in the environment. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest.
Treatment of asthma may include the use of inhalers, nebulizers, medications, and simply limiting exposure to triggering stimuli when possible. Asthma is a common reason that people apply for disability benefits. Most people who apply for disability based on asthma, however, are disappointed because they get denied. When Does Asthma Qualify for Disability? If you can meet the qualifications under the SSA's disability listing for adult asthma, your claim will be automatically approved. Asthma - Basic Information. What Is Asthma? Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults can have asthma, too. Asthma causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing at night or early in the morning. If you have asthma, you have it all the time, but you will have asthma attacks only when something bothers your lungs. In most cases, we don’t know what causes asthma, and we don’t know how to cure it.
How Can You Tell if You Have Asthma? It can be hard to tell if someone has asthma, especially in children under age 5. During a checkup, the doctor will ask if you cough a lot, especially at night, and whether your breathing problems are worse after physical activity or at certain times of year. The doctor will also do a breathing test, called spirometry, to find out how well your lungs are working. What Is an Asthma Attack? An asthma attack may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. Tobacco Smoke Dust Mites. Asthma Information. Asthma in Adults. Managing Asthma Avoidance or control of the triggers that lead to asthma attacks is as much a priority as treatment of the disease. Of some concern are studies reporting no change in asthmatic symptoms after controlling cat or dust mite allergens. More research is needed to identify the reasons for this. Indoor Protection Controlling Pets.
Patients who already have pets and are not allergic to them probably have a low risk for developing allergies. If pets trigger asthma, however, they should be kept outside. Controlling for Dust. Bedding and Curtains. Reducing Humidity in the House. Gas Stoves, Kerosene, and Cooking. Exterminating Pests (Cockroaches and Mice). Avoiding Smoking and Cigarette Smoke. Outdoor Protection Avoiding Outdoor Allergens. Camping and hiking trips should not be scheduled during times of high pollen count (in the Northern states, May and June for grass pollen and mid-August to October for ragweed).
Reducing Exposure to Air Pollution. Occupational Triggers. Fish Oil. Common Asthma Triggers - About Asthma - The Asthma Society of Canada. Asthma. Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.[4] Its diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time and spirometry.[5] It is clinically classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate.[6] Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic)[7] where atopy refers to a predisposition toward developing type 1 hypersensitivity reactions.[8] Signs and symptoms Associated conditions A number of other health conditions occur more frequently in those with asthma, including gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), rhinosinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnea.[22] Psychological disorders are also more common,[23] with anxiety disorders occurring in between 16–52% and mood disorders in 14–41%.[24] However, it is not known if asthma causes psychological problems or if psychological problems lead to asthma.[25] Causes Others.
Asthma_info.jpg (JPEG Image, 704 × 5373 pixels) - Scaled (12%) What Triggers Asthma Attacks? One question many people with asthma ask frequently is ? What triggers an asthma attack and how can I prevent it?? Research has shown that there are many things that can trigger an asthma attack, but below are some of the more common ones ? Pollens and outdoor molds – These are likely to trigger an asthma attack. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? If after following these tips you still do not know what causes your asthma attacks, you should keep a journal of information about your asthma. Related Health Topics Tagged with: Animal Dander • Asthma Attack • Asthma Attacks • Basements • Carpeting • Cockroaches • Damp Basement • Dehumidifier • Dust Mask • Dust Mites • Garden Material • Hepa Filter • Indoor Molds • Insect Spray • Outdoor Molds • Pollen Counts • Shiver • Spines • Spring House • Vacuum Cleaner Filed under: Health Tips. Asthma and Humidity-Causes and Cures.
Asthma and Humidity. Any factor that exerts pressure on lungs triggers asthma symptoms in asthma patients. There are many different causative agents for asthma. Basing on the causative agents, asthma is generally classified as the extrinsic asthma and the intrinsic asthma. Humidity is the culprit for intrinsic asthma. Let’s see how humidity exerts its influence over asthma symptoms. The main enemies for people with asthma are heat and humidity. Another fact is that increase in external temperature automatically increases body temperature, and that in turn increases the body metabolism which demands more oxygen. It has been observed that people who remain in air-conditioned rooms for long time cannot cope up with external temperatures, and can become easily susceptible to asthma when exposed to extremes of temperatures.
Another theory that confirms the worse effect of humid air in asthma patients is that humid air reduces the amount of negative ions in the air that generally ease the process of breathing. Spanish: Asthma Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management & Treatment. El asma es una enfermedad crónica que compromete las vías respiratorias en los pulmones.
Estas vías respiratorias, o bronquios, permiten que el aire entre y salga de los pulmones. Si usted tiene asma, sus vías respiratorias están siempre inflamadas, pero se inflaman más y los músculos alrededor de las vías respiratorias pueden estrecharse cuando algo desencadena sus síntomas. Esto dificulta la entrada y salida del aire de los pulmones, y da como resultado síntomas como tos, sibilancia, disnea y/u opresión del pecho. Para muchas personas que padecen de asma, el momento en que se presentan estos síntomas está muy relacionado con la actividad física. La broncoconstricción inducida por el ejercicio, o asma inducida por el ejercicio, también puede ocurrir en personas sanas que tienen síntomas de asma solo cuando están haciendo ejercicio.
Quienes tienen antecedentes familiares de alergia o asma tienen más propensión a desarrollar asma. Evalúe su conocimiento con nuestra encuesta sobre asma. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - Information About Asthma, Allergies, Food Allergies and More! What is asthma? : Canadian Lung Association. What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes it hard to breathe. Asthma can't be cured, but it can be managed.
With proper treatment, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives. If you have asthma, your airways (breathing passages) are extra sensitive. When you are around certain things, your extra-sensitive airways can: Become red and swollen - your airways get inflamed inside. Become "twitchy" and go into spasm - the muscles around your airways squeeze together and tighten. The more red and swollen your airways are, the more twitchy they become. What sets off your asthma symptoms? Many different things can set off your asthma symptoms. Asthma inducers: If you breathe in something you're allergic to- for example, dust or pollen- or if you have a viral infection- for example, a cold or the flu- your airways can become inflamed (red and swollen). It's important for every person with asthma to know what they triggers and inducers are, so they can avoid them.