Sick+Genes+Activity+Asthma

Sick Genes Activity: Asthma By:Damian Gonzalez Period 4

=Symptoms =


 * Shortness of breath
 * Chest tightness
 * Couching, especially at night
 * wheezing

Genes Affected

Unlike emphysema, asthma attacks the bronchi, not the alveoli.

Type of Genetic Relationship

Over 100 genes have been associated with asthma

· Environmental and Genetic Factor

 * Allergies (pet dander, dust)
 * Irritants in the air
 * Respiratory infections
 * Exercise
 * Weather
 * Certain medications

Epidemiology (2001-2003 Statistics) Higher rate of asthma in children than adults. Higher rate in females than males. Higher rate in African Americans than Caucasians.

Diagnosis
 * Using a peak-flow meter and keeping a log.
 * Spirometry
 * Physical examination of the chest, respiratory tract, and skin.

Prognosis
 * Usually, long-term disease
 * Probable asthma attacks
 * 54% of children never carry the disease longer than a decade.

Treatment
 * Inhaler
 * Therapy
 * Advair Diskus
 * Levalbuterol
 * Medications (Singulair)
 * Zyrtec (if allergy induced)

Interesting Facts

* The majority of children who wheeze do not have asthma. * Most fatal asthma attacks happen because the patient does not wish to go to the hospital

* A fun way for kids to learn more about asthma is to have an actual asthmatic teach more about prevention and treatment for potential asthmatics. * Scientists are currently searching for a permanent cure to asthma, which takes the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year.

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