Asthma

             For my first research question, I wanted to find out the causes of asthma, all of the symptoms associated with asthma, and the chances of acquiring asthma if it runs in the family. The truth is that no one truly knows what causes asthma. Many researchers believe that asthma may be linked to genetics. Asthma can be grouped into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic asthma is when an outside substance entering the lungs triggers an asthma attack. The substance that triggers the attack varies depending on the allergic reaction of the person with asthma. Intrinsic asthma is when a mysterious process found within the body triggers asthma. Scientists believe that all asthma is found to be extrinsic because intrinsic asthma simply does not make sense and there is no proof that the bronchial muscles around the lungs can contract by them self. Dr. Betty B. Wray, former president and professor at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, in Taking Charge of Asthma, suggests, "Asthma may be the result of a disordered immune response leading to release of mediators (chemical molecules) by cells in the airways"(17). Asthma is most commonly triggered by one of many things found in the environment. Asthma can also be triggered by weather conditions, exercise, or even emotions. Wray, showing why emotions can lead to asthma, states, "Whenever you feel something strongly-panic, fear, anger, anxiety, frustration, resentment-you are likely to go into fight-or-flight shallow breathing (137). These strong feelings could lead to an asthma attack. Often times, asthma is triggered by cigarette smoke. A person with asthma should never smoke cigarettes. The body reacts differently to different substances. For instance, many people have allergic reactions to dust mites in the air. After the allergic reaction occurs, the asthma might be triggered.