The Asthma Trap Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Asthma Trap - Essay Example The cause of asthma is not known but there are a few factors or social forces that can safely be said are the major causes of asthma. Genetic factor is one of the most common factors that say that it is hereditary and runs in the family. Next is the environmental factor that suggests that pollen, house dust mites, animal dander and tobacco smoke if present in the environment are allergens that trigger asthma. Irritants in the workplace like chemicals, dust, gases etc are major causes of asthma in adults that are due to the occupation which gives exposure to such allergens as in the paint factory or where dealing with raw cotton is done etc. A healthy lifestyle is very important as if dietary habits are not correct then asthma is likely to happen due to increased intake of processed foods and high use of salt. Less exercise and leading a very sedentary life is also one of the causes as reduced exercise means less stretching of the airways due to which abnormal contraction is observed even upon exposure to the minor irritants. Asthma is related to multiple factors which are beyond patients' control. Asthma has become the most common chronic illness among children in USA, affecting some 6 million kids, and its prevalence is growing at a rate that some public health experts find alarming. Since 1982, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of asthma sufferers in the United States has doubled. Sara Corbett Like any other disease asthma too burdens the patients and their families both emotionally and financially. Particularly asthma in children takes a toll on the entire family as parents miss work to care for their children and struggle to pay hospital bills, children's grades fall off as absenteeism from school increases hence lower productivity at work. Patients dependent on inhalers have to carry it with them all the time and using it in public makes them conscious and socially misfit and some patients due to this often go into social recluse. Asthma burdens the patient financially as well. According to a study childhood asthma costs the nation $3.2 billion annually in health care expenses also the constant fear of a severe attack and the fear of death is always associated with asthma. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 5,000 Americans die this way every year. Sara Corbett My brother is asthmatic and I personally have seen him going into social hermit and avoiding social gatherings because of the fear of asthma attacks or public usage of inhalers when suffering shortness of breath. As a child he felt chained while playing with kids his age who freely used to bike or used to indulge in strenuous activities as my brother took every step very cautiously because of asthma attack fear as in the past he had suffered when he was just having fun with people his age and doing things of his age. An interesting finding is that factors such as race, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic can influence child health and have its impact on asthma. Let's discuss each factor: Gender Boys as compared to girls are more prone to asthma. However, in adolescence it's the reverse and asthma is more severe in females and is under diagnosed and undertreated. This change is seen around the time of puberty and could possibly be due to hormonal changes and differences in environmental