Environmental Triggers of Asthma
Overview of Asthma
Course: WB 2490
CE Original Date: November 28, 2014
CE Renewal Date: November 28, 2016
CE Expiration Date: November 28, 2018
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Learning Objectives |
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to
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Purpose of This Case Study |
This Case Study in Environmental Medicine focuses specifically on the environmental factors that contribute to asthma expression and severity. The goal is to identify those factors, with the hope of moderating or eliminating exposures or reducing their effect. This case study is not a comprehensive review of asthma, nor a complete review of asthma management. Many excellent texts and articles have covered this topic. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) updated the Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention in 2011. This document provides recommendations on
The NIH Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Asthma provide key recommendations about the disease. This Report was developed by a panel convened by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), coordinated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. The third and most recent report, Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (EPR-3) was released in August 2007. The full report is available online at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm. |
Definition of Asthma |
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute defines asthma as "...a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which many cells and cellular elements play a role, in particular
In susceptible individuals, this inflammation causes recurrent episodes of
particularly at night or in the early morning. These episodes are usually associated with widespread but variable airflow obstruction that is often reversible, either spontaneously or with treatment. The inflammation also causes an associated increase in the existing bronchial hyper responsiveness to a variety of stimuli." [NHLBI 2007]. |
Incidence and Prevalence |
Allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, and eczema are increasing in prevalence.
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Factors That Contribute to Asthma |
Environmental factors that contribute to asthma symptoms and severity include
This Case Study focuses on preventable environmental asthma triggers and measures that may decrease their effects on patients. |
Key Points |
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Progress Check |
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