December 12th, 2017
Asthma is a chronic lung disease provoked by a variety of stimuli that affects people of all races and nationalities. It is characterized by the temporary obstruction of airflow, breathing difficulty, and inflammation and increased sensitivity of airways.Asthma sufferers may develop clinical symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and dypsnea. Without medical or environmental intervention, this can lead to permanent reductions in lung function, damage to lung tissue, severe breathing discomfort, and lower resistance to infection (Friebele, 1996).Asthma in most cases is triggered as a result of exposure to allergens, viruses, tobacco smoke, and other air pollutants in both the indoor and outdoor environments.An allergen is a particle that causes allergies such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroach parts or feces, molds, and pollen from plant products (Institute of Medicine, 1993) (See this Section: Biological Contaminants). Long-standing asthma sufferers may demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to any one or a combination of these allergens.