The Role of the Asthma Trap - Report Example

 Asthma is a chronic lung disease that predominantly causes difficulty in breathing. This is mainly due to constriction, tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, and inflammation, soreness, swelling, and irritation of the airways in the lungs. Asthma is different for everyone. Some people may experience other symptoms and the intensity of which may also vary. However, some of the common symptoms are as follows:

• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

The diagnosis of asthma is made upon recognition of one or more of these symptoms and is verified if there is any evidence of variable or reversible airflow obstruction along with the symptoms. 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. The 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 are 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 was 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 the 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 a 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 a 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 an 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 underdiagnosed and undertreated. This change is seen around the time of puberty and could possibly be due to hormonal changes and differences in environmental exposure that is gender-specific.

Race/Ethnicity

Race and ethnicity do not impact asthma significantly. However, some studies indicate that African Americans with asthma suffered from more severe attacks than whites but the response to the treatment is equal. Some studies also suggest that black Hispanic children are more prone to asthma.

Socioeconomics

Higher the socio-economic status (SES) higher the prevalence and incidence of asthma but, disease severity and premature mortality are twice more common in low SES. To be able to reduce this impact, better management of the disease is highly important.

Sociological Perspective

The impact on society towards asthma patients tends to follow mostly on the functionalist perspective. The disease places certain restrictions on the physical activities of these patients and as a result, they tend to shun activities such as group sport and with the social interactions that go along with it. In childhood, this leads peer groups to place value judgments on these individuals and label them as physically inferior making them open for bullying. Such children tend to try to adapt by excelling intellectually, and if successful in this tend to counterbalance their physical shortcomings with intellectual strengths and raise their value in the peer group. If adaptation is not successful then their self-esteem is seriously affected and this gives rise to feelings of anxiety, depression, and insecurities.

Bullying is common among children and in many cases lasts for years. Bully-victims are particularly at risk of remaining involved in bullying over longer periods. Also, children involved in bullying often have psychiatric problems and are disturbed. Kirsti Kumpulainen, Eila Räsänen & Irmeli Henttonen

Conclusion

All it takes to control asthma is the right medication, clean air, and reasonably stress-free life. But for millions of children caught up in the epidemic, none of those things are anywhere within reach. Sara Corbett

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