Asthma

1. - Take a look at the diagram. Can you label these 4 mayor sections?






















A) Lung.
B) Trachea.
C) Bronchus.
D) Alveoli.

2. - Asthma discussion starter questions: discuss in groups.

A) What is asthma?
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Asthma isa disease of the respiratory system, sometimes caused by allergies, with symptoms including coughing, difficulty in breathing, and a tight feeling in the chest. It is a common chronic disorder of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, bronchial spasm, and an underlying inflammation.


B) What causes an asthma attack?

Asthma is caused byenvironmental and genetic factors, which can influence how severe asthma is and how well it responds to medication. Many environmental risk factors, like low air quality from traffic pollution, have been associated with asthma development. Passive smoking is associated with high risk of asthma prevalence and asthma morbidity, wheeze, and respiratory infections.

Over 100 genes have been associatedwith asthma in at least one genetic study. Some of them are LTA, IL4, NOD1, etc. Many of these genes are related to the immune system or to modulating inflammation.


C) What happens in the body during an asthma attack?


Asthma is the result of an immune response in the bronchial airways. During an asthma episode, inflamed airways react to environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, orpollen. The airways narrow and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Common symptoms of asthma include: nighttime coughing, shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and complaints of a tight feeling in the chest.




D) What else do you know about asthma?



The most effective treatment for asthma is identifying triggers and limiting or eliminating exposure to them. Iftrigger avoidance is insufficient, medical treatment is available. The specific medical treatment recommended to patients with asthma depends on the severity of their illness and the frequency of their symptoms.


Bronchodilators are recommended for short-term relief in all patients. For those who experience occasional attacks, no other medication is needed. In severe asthma, oral glucocorticoidsmay be added to these treatments during severe attacks.
3. - Read the article below and as best you can discuss and explain the contents to your partner so that your partner will be able to answer the follow- up questions.
A) What are some of the common symptoms of asthma?

They are wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, tightness or pressure.


B) Is asthma reversiblewith medication? Explain your answer.

Yes, it is. Many of the symptoms are reversible with medication but not 100% reversible in all patients.


C) What are some risk factors for asthma?

Some risk factors for asthma are a family history of asthma, regular lung infections, presence of allergies, exposure to tobacco smoke, low birth weight, and being male.


D) What population isseeing a rise in asthma cases?

Asthma cases are increasing among children.


E) What are two theories why the rate is increasing in this population?

Many experts think that children are being exposed to more triggers, but some of them think that children don’t have strong immune systems.












4. - Read the article below and as best you can discuss and explainthe contents to your partner so that your partner will be able to answer the follow- up questions.


















































A) What are 3 – 4 triggers for asthma attacks?


Some common triggers for asthma attacks are exercise, infections, dust, and tobacco smoke.


B) What are asthma attacks?


Asthma...