Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Pulse
ABCs of asthma
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 8, 2007
The word asthma originates from an ancient Greek word meaning panting. Asthma is an inability to breathe properly because airways in our lungs become narrowed, inflamed and choked with mucus. People with asthma often have normal lung function between attacks. Episodes of asthma can be triggered by allergens, smoke and other airborne pollutants, cold air, exercise, infections, medications and acid reflux. Asthma affects about 4.1-million children under age 18. It is the main cause of school absenteeism. Up to 80 percent of children with asthma have significant allergies. Dust, pollen, mold, food and animals can cause allergic reactions. Sources: thehealthpages.com, WebMD.com Asthma campaign: www.aafa.org
[Last modified May 7, 2007, 21:09:25]
Share your thoughts on this story
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Letter to the editor