1. Asthma
By Haily Moree
Hour #3

2. The History
The first documentation of asthma was in China 2600 B.C. when it was referred to as “noisy breathing”. The term “asthma” was first used in 460 B.C. by Hippocrates for panting and respiratory distress. The word “asthma” comes from the Greek word “aazein” meaning exhaling with an open mouth, panting, or sharp breath. Basically, asthma makes it hard for a person to breath.

3. From the age 15+, asthma is more commonly found in females, yet in ages 14-, asthma is more found in males.

4. Visual Symptoms of Attack vs. Triggers
Coughing/Wheez ing
Breathlessness
Blue lips or fingers
Fainting
Trouble Walking
Speech Difficulties
Pollen
Extreme weather changes
Smoke
Dust
Exercise
Stress

5. How it Works
When you inhale, oxygen enters the nose or mouth, then travels through the windpipe or trachea, then into the lungs. When you exhale, the same process occurs but in reverse. With asthma, this process can become difficult because the bronchi swell, narrow, and fill with mucus making it hard for air to pass. This all happens through the respiratory system; which consist of the pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, alveoli, nose and nasal cavity.

6. What Causes Asthma
No one really knows why people get asthma, but it tends to run in families. So if you or someone you know has asthma, it is likely that there is also a parent, sibling, or other relative who shares this disease.

7. Cures and Treatments
There is no permanent cure for asthma, but there are things to help someone live with it. This includes two things; doing your best to avoiding things that cause asthma attacks and taking medicines (if your doctor prescribes it) such as an inhaler.

8. Prevention
There is no proven way to prevent developing asthma, however there are ways to prevent asthma attacks. Ways of preventing asthma attacks include knowing the triggers (slide 4) and avoiding them as much as possible. Even if you know all the common triggers, the triggers for you might be different. Proscribed medicines may also help.

9. How Asthma affects the daily life
Living with asthma can be hard, but you can still do common things in your everyday life. Kids with asthma can still play sports. In fact, it is good for them to play sports to help the lungs become stronger. Although people with asthma can continue their everyday lives, many things become difficult. For example, people with asthma can have problems sleeping through the night, waking up not being able to breath. Kids with asthma may also have a tough time through out the school day. This is because some schools wont let the students hold onto their medicine so they might not get it in time to prevent an attack.
How Asthma affects the daily life

10. Bibliography
“History of Asthma.” Allergy & Asthma Medical Group and Research Center,
Cannizzaro, Theresa. “History of Asthma (Part One)- In The Beginning.” Asthma.net, 7 Aug. 2017, asthma.net/living/history-of-asthma-part-one-in-the-beginning/.
“Asthma.” Edited by Bonnie B. Hudak, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Sept. 2017, kidshealth.org/en/kids/asthma.html?WT.ac=ctg#catallergy.
“Living with Asthma | Asthma Exposed.” Home, 4SsuKo-_rd-tRkCcL_P6- KElh8hCdprRWY0v47affhlSUIhkoZzxoChw8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds.
NHS Choices, NHS,
“Respiration and Respiratory Organs.” Microbiology Notes, 21 Aug. 2016, “Respiration and Respiratory Organs.” Microbiology Notes, 21 Aug. 2016,