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Literature Review on Asthma
Asthma is a complex progressive disease and is characterised by loss of lung function due to lymphocytic-eosinophilic inflammation within the airways. According to “Asthma NSW”, asthma is characterised by inflammation, increased mucus production and bronchoconstriction. ... The incidence and prevalence of asthma is increasing in Western societies despite increased efforts to determine the causes and successful treatment of this complex disease (Weiss, 2000).
Epidemiological studies on asthma have focused on the relationship between atopy, airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation, and genetic predispositions to allergies (Gray, Peat et al 2000). While genetic and familial dispositions may play a role in the development of asthma sufferers’ airway hyper-responsiveness, an increase in environmental allergens and irritants is often blamed for the recent increase in the prevalence of asthma (Brown et al, 1997). ... However, this may be an oversimplification of asthma’s multifaceted etiology (Barr et al, 2000).
Holt (2000) points out a link between atopy and the development of asthma, while Gray et al (2000) maintain that atopy and asthma are inherited independently. An Australian report (Abramson & Walters, 2000) states that the absence of childhood infections as a result of vaccination and increased antibiotic use, may be responsible for the increased prevalence of asthma due to the inhibition of immune system maturation.
Inhaled glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are most commonly used in the prophylaxis and treatment of asthma. Corticosteroids, especially fluticasone propionate and budesonide, form the mainstay of asthma treatment and act as preventatives (Barnes, Thwaites & Price, 1999).
Approximate Word count = 1212
Approximate Pages = 4.8
(250 words per page double spaced)
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