Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways that affects millions of adults and children in the U.S. It is caused by triggers like dust, pollen, pet hair, or tobacco smoke that bring about symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. While asthma cannot be passed between individuals, chronic coughing may impact transmission of other illnesses. The disease affects the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs and symptoms are often worse in the morning or evening in response to cold air. Preventative inhalers can help control symptoms and attacks to manage the disease, which is lifelong once developed, though its effects can be minimized with proper treatment.

1. AsthmaBy: Dan KocherA chronic inflammation of the airways

2. What causes asthma?Triggers (stimuli)Such as: Dust, pollen, pet hair or dander, tobacco smoke, strenuous exerciseThese outside factors bring about the symptoms of asthma when it is not treated properly

3. TransmisssionAsthma affects the respiratory system of one individual, and it cannot be passed from one person to anotherAsthma may affect the transmission of other diseases/ilnesses due to chronic coughing caused by thick mucus

4. Who gets it?Millions of adults and children living in the U.S suffer from asthmaOccurrence not affected by gender, race, or ethnicity

5. EtiologyIAsthma is a chronic disease which affects the bronchial tubes that lead into the lungs Incubation period: several yearsOnce you have asthma, you have it for life. However, it can be put under control until it is almost unnoticeable

6. Etiology IISymptoms are often worse early in the morning, or later at night as a response to cold air Common symptoms include: Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightening, and coughing Easiest method of detection is by the use of a stethoscope

7. Prognosis and TreatmentThe easiest way to prevent the onset of symptoms is simply to avoid the triggers that are know to affect youPreventative inhalers Such as Albuterol or Flovent can be used tocontrol symptoms and prevent attacks

8. ConclusionAsthma is a common, chronic respiratory disease that can affect anyoneMost symptoms are typically mild, but severe attacks can be very life-threatening and measures need to be taken to prevent them

9. Works Citedhttp://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.htmlhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/asthma.html