1. Asthma

2. Asthma: chronic inflammation of the bronchiole tubes that causes swelling and constriction

3. It is the most common chronic illness in children (1 out of 15) in North America
Has different triggers for different individuals

4. Normal bronchiole tubes allow the passage of air in and out of the lungs to ensure that the levels of O2 and CO2 remain constant in the bloodstream
The outer walls of the bronchiole tubes are surrounded by smooth muscles that contract and relax automatically with each breath

5. Asthma causes a narrowing of the breathing airways, which interferes with the normal movement of air in and out of the lungs
Involves only the bronchiole tubes and does not affect the air sacs or the lung tissue

8. The narrowing that occurs in asthma is caused by three major factors:
Inflammation
Bronchospasm
Hypersensitivity

9. Inflammation: the bronchiole tubes become red, irritated, and swollen
Increases the thickness of the wall of the bronchiole tubes and thus results in a smaller passageway for air to flow through

10. Bronchospasm: muscles around the bronchiole tubes tighten during an attack
Also causes constriction

11. Hypersensitivity: the chronically inflamed and constricted airways become highly sensitive, or reactive, to triggers such as allergens, irritants, and infections

13. Symptoms
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
tightening of chest
Coughing

14. Treatments Bronchodilators: relax the bronchospasm
Steroids: reduce inflammation