Evelyn B. Kelly - What You Need to Know about Asthma

What You Need to Know about Asthma

What You Need to Know about Asthma

Evelyn B. Kelly

Inside Diseases and Disorders

Copyright 2022 by ABC-CLIO, LLC

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Kelly, Evelyn B., author.

Title: What you need to know about asthma / Evelyn B. Kelly.

Description: Santa Barbara : Greenwood, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, [2022] | Series: Inside diseases and disorders | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2021023285 (print) | LCCN 2021023286 (ebook) | ISBN 9781440875571 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781440875588 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Asthma. | AsthmaTreatment.

Classification: LCC RC591 .K443 2022 (print) | LCC RC591 (ebook) | DDC 616.2/38dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021023285

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021023286

ISBN: 978-1-4408-7557-1 (print)

978-1-4408-7558-8 (ebook)

262524232212345

This book is also available as an eBook.

Greenwood

An Imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC

ABC-CLIO, LLC

147 Castilian Drive

Santa Barbara, California 93117

www.abc-clio.com

This book is printed on acid-free paper

Manufactured in the United States of America

This book discusses treatments (including types of medication and mental health therapies), diagnostic tests for various symptoms and mental health disorders, and organizations. The authors have made every effort to present accurate and up-to-date information. However, the information in this book is not intended to recommend or endorse particular treatments or organizations, or substitute for the care or medical advice of a qualified health professional, or used to alter any medical therapy without a medical doctors advice. Specific situations may require specific therapeutic approaches not included in this book. For those reasons, we recommend that readers follow the advice of the qualified health-care professionals directly involved in their care. Readers who suspect they may have specific medical problems should consult a physician about any suggestions made in this book.

Contents

Disease is as old as humanity itself, and it has been the leading cause of death and disability throughout history. From the Black Death in the Middle Ages to smallpox outbreaks among Native Americans to the modern-day epidemics of diabetes and heart disease, humans have lived withand died fromall manner of ailments, whether caused by infectious agents, environmental and lifestyle factors, or genetic abnormalities. The field of medicine has been driven forward by our desire to combat and prevent disease and to improve the lives of those living with debilitating disorders. And while we have made great strides forward, particularly in the last 100 years, it is doubtful that mankind will ever be completely free of the burden of disease.

Greenwoods Inside Diseases and Disorders series examines some of the key diseases and disorders, both physical and psychological, affecting the world today. Some (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and ADHD) have been selected because of their prominence within modern America. Others (such as Ebola, celiac disease, and autism) have been chosen because they are often discussed in the media and, in some cases, are controversial or the subject of scientific or cultural debate.

Because this series covers so many different diseases and disorders, we have striven to create uniformity across all books. To maximize clarity and consistency, each book in the series follows the same format. Each begins with a collection of 10 frequently asked questions about the disease or disorder, followed by clear, concise answers. profiles cutting-edge research and speculates on how things might change in the next few decades.

Each volume also features five fictional case studies to illustrate different aspects of the books subject matter, highlighting key concepts and themes that have been explored throughout the text. The reader will also find a glossary of terms and a collection of print and electronic resources for additional information and further study.

As a final caveat, please be aware that the information presented in these books is no substitute for consultation with a licensed health care professional. These books do not claim to provide medical advice or guidance.

I thank ABC-CLIO for allowing me to research and write about asthma. My husband, Charles Kelly, developed asthma as a young boy and had some flare-ups as an adult. Charles was always a great source of encouragement and support; he died while writing this book. I dedicate this book to his memory. I especially wish to acknowledge the support of my familySharlene, Kurt, Natalie, and Marshafor their support during some difficult times.

I thank Maxine Taylor, senior acquisitions editor, for her guidance and patience through many projects and the ABC-CLIO staff for the many interesting projects. According to my count, I have written 10 books for Greenwood and ABC-CLIO, beginning with The Skeletal System. It has indeed been an adventure of learning and joy.

I begin with a personal story. My husband, Charles, died at the age of 91. He had a long and happy life, but he did have one problem. As a boy, he developed asthma, and although the bouts with bronchial spasms later in life were not too severe, he had a constant fight with allergies, such as atopic dermatitis on the palm of his hands or hives when he mowed the grass. When the dermatologist asked him if he had asthma as a boy, he was puzzled. Why would the skin doctor ask about his childhood asthma? Yes, he had asthma, and his family traveled many miles to find help. He ended up taking asthma shots for two years, the treatment at the time. He had to sleep on a rubber mattress with a rubber pillow, and although he was an avid sportsman, he had to curtail his activities. Times have changed since the treatments of the 1940s.

Today, asthma affects 17 million people in the United States. It is the most common chronic childhood disease, and the incidences are rising in the United States and across the developed parts of the world. Costs relating to asthma are staggering. Treatment, medications, and lost productivity are over $11 billion each year. Asthma touches many peopleif not directly, perhaps through family, friends, or colleagues.

This book has been written with you in mind. You may not want to read the book from cover to cover but rather choose items that are pertinent to you. However, I think you can find much value in each of the chapters.

The information in this book is provided for general background knowledge for students and lay leaders. It is not for medical advice or treatment. If you have questions, contact your doctor or health-care professional.

1.WHAT IS ASTHMA?

Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the lungs bronchi; the airways narrow and swell, producing extra mucus.

2.HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA?

It can be hard to tell if someone has asthma, especially in children under age five. Having a doctor check how well your lungs work and for allergies can help you determine if you have asthma. A doctor will ask if you cough a lot (especially at night), have breathing problems, or experience chest tightness.