Causes And Effect Of Allergies And Asthma - 3783 Words

Allergies and asthma are an everyday part of living for many people. Some of these people must avoid eating seafood, others are intolerant of ragweed, and still others might be forced to boycott the zoo because their allergies relate to animals. Animal allergies are no more or less common knowledge than seasonal pollen allergies, but they do sometimes cause a greater change in the behavior of those who suffer the effects. So why are people allergic to animals that they’ve shared the planet with for generations upon generations? And furthermore, if people have allergic responses to some animals, why do they still choose to keep certain ones as house pets? The goal of this paper is to provide an evolutionary perspective on this matter and to determine a cause that is supported by scientific data. To understand allergies, an important process is the production and effect of immunoglobulins in the bloodstream. Immunoglobulin E or IgE is an antibody. IgE is responsible for the st art signal of an allergic reaction (Nesse, 161). Like other antibodies, T and B cells in the bloodstream first recognize foreign pathogens and then lead to the production of antibodies with specific membrane-bound proteins or receptors that can identify and attack this pathogen. However, the reason that IgE leads to all of the various symptoms of an allergic reaction has not yet been definitively determined, though theories have been proposed (Nesse, 161). Allergies are not an all-encompassingShow MoreRelatedChildhood Allergies: Symptoms and Treatments 773 Words   |  4 PagesChildhood Allergies: Symptoms and Treatments Childhood allergy is an exaggerated reaction by the immune system in response to certain foreign substances. These foreign objects may not be really harmful thus it is called an exaggerated response. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produce antibodies called immunoglobulin that causes the mast cells and allergy cells to release chemicals, including histamine resulting in allergic reactions. In most people, allergies appear duringRead MoreEssay about Asthma1648 Words   |  7 PagesAsthma Breathing is a vital process for every human. Normal breathing is practically effortless for most people, but those with asthma face a great challenge. During an asthma attack, breathing is hampered, making it difficult or even impossible for air to flow through the lungs. Asthma is an increasingly common problem, and has become the most common chronic childhood disease. At least 17 million Americans suffer from it(1), and although it can be fatal, it is usually not that severe(4)Read MoreCorrelation between Asthma and Anxiety1019 Words   |  4 PagesWhen Stress levels begin to raise other anything such as bills, work or traffic, Asthma symptoms can instantly kick in. Asthma and anxiety can make a vicious circle, and one that can spiral downward quickly. Firstly stress and anxiety can cause physiological changes that could provoke an attack to occur. These emotions trigger the release of chemicals, such as leukotrienes and histamine, which cause the narrowing of the airway. D uring this horrific period of stress and anxiety, it can get into theRead MoreSymptoms of an Asthma: How Can You Tell If You have Asthma?961 Words   |  4 PagesThe word Asthma, in its original Greek form (á ¼â€¦ÃÆ'ÃŽ ¸ÃŽ ¼ÃŽ ±, or à ¡sthma) (akin to aà ¡zein) means â€Å"panting† or â€Å"to breath hard†. Panting and heavy breathing are common visible symptoms of an individual who has Asthma. â€Å"Asthma is fairly common, and can be described as chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm† (NHLBI, 2007). The most common symptoms of this disease are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathRead MoreAsthm A Long Term Disease1713 Words   |  7 Pages Asthma is a long term disease that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs. When a person has asthma, cells and tissues in the airways become susceptible to inflammation when they come in contact w ith different substances. These substances can be harmless but with asthma, these substances can become very dangerous. This inflammation in the airways then leads to airway narrowing. The body’s response to ease the inflammation is the release of histamine and leukotrienes. When histamine andRead MoreEssay on General Asthma796 Words   |  4 PagesAsthma is a long-term, otherwise known as a chronic disease, which occurs in the respiratory system. The disease causes inflammation, spasms, or tightening in the bronchial tubes, which are the passage way to the lungs, that also carry air directly to the lungs. The inflammation caused by asthma educes difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma cannot be cured, and the true cause of asthma is unknown. Most of the population that is diagnosed with asthma finds some wayRead MoreThe Disease of Asthma Essay1388 Words   |  6 Pages Asthma is a lung disease that affects approximately ten million people in the United States. (Cramer 2) In people with asthma, the airways of the lungs are hypersensitive to irritants such as cigarette smoke or allergens. When these irritants are inhaled, the airways react by constricting, or narrowing. Some people with asthma have only mild, intermittent symptoms that can be controlled without drugs. In others, the symptoms are chronic, severe, and sometime life threatening. Although researchersRead MoreHcs 245 Week 41110 Words   |  5 PagesAsthma Misty Kroenke November 29, 2010 HCS245 Timothy Coleman Asthma is a widespread disease that affects many cultures and has no boundaries. It does not care about country, race, religion or sex. Asthma can affect anyone and can develop at an early age or later in life. People who have asthma the airways in the lungs narrow and swell. They produce extra mucus and breathing becomes difficult. Some common signs and symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. AsthmaRead MoreTaking a Look at Asthma1312 Words   |  5 PagesSymptoms Having Asthma can affect a person in a number of ways. The physical symptoms can range from the occasional cough all the way to life-threatening cases which are not being able to breathe. The seriousness and frequency of asthma symptoms is all dependant on how well the individual can control their Asthma. There are three symptoms of Asthma, the first being airway obstruction. Allergic substances and environmental triggers make a chain of muscle surrounding the airways tighten, and air cannotRead MoreChildhood Asthma And Its Relations1655 Words   |  7 PagesChildhood Asthma and its Relations to Traffic Related Air Pollutants 2. Introduction (300 word to 350 words) 359 Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is not to be underestimated; it affects approximately 12.1% of children in the United States (English et al. 2006). Asthma is particularly concerning and threatening to children for multiple reasons, one being the anatomy of children. Asthma has no cure however there are some ways to treat asthma. If gone untreated, asthma could be deadly