Page 10 - Healthy Indiana

BURDEN OF ASTHMA

ASTHMA IS A CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE OF THE LUNGS Symptoms occur when a reaction
AND AIRWAYS- THE MOST COMMON CHRONIC DISEASE FOUND causes the airways to become
IN CHILDREN. inflamed and restricted. Asthma
attacks or exacerbations are
characterized by episodes of
NORMAL AIRWAY
AIRWAY
WALL

Inability to
Chest
Wheezing Coughing Catch
Tightness
Breath

MUSCLE
An overly sensitive immune
system makes the airways
(bronchial tubes) become
inflamed and swollen when
exposed to certain triggers.
Asthma triggers vary from
person to person. Common
asthma attacks triggers include:
ASTHMATIC
AIRWAY

Pollen, pets, Upper
mold, and respiratory
NARROWED dust mites infections
AIRWAY
When the airways are restricted the Inhaling
surrounding muscles tighten, allowing less cold dry air
air to reach the lungs and producing excess Tobacco
mucus that further restricts airflow. smoke
Stress
and other
TIGHTENED MUSCLES irritants
CONSTRICT AIRWAYS Gastroesophageal
reflux disease
(GERD)

INFLAMED
AIRWAY WALL MUCUS
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