Asthma is a condition in which one’s airways constrict, swell, and produce mucus, a trifecta of sorts which results in less air moving from the outside world into the lungs. This can lead to a decrease in oxygen exchange with the waste product, carbon dioxide. As such, breathing—and thereby, adequate oxygenation—is compromised. Thought to be triggered by environmental factors in genetically predisposed individuals, the exact cause is unknown.
Genetic (inherited) hypersensitivity + exposure to environmental triggers -> ASTHMA
A common occurrence is a wheezing sound during exhalation. Naturally, having the flu or a cold worsens any asthmatic situations and can even mimic asthma. Mostly harmless but bothersome, in severe cases asthma can lead to death.
In childhood, more males have asthma than females, but by age 20 it evens out; after 40, more females have it.
What causes asthma?
Some people get it, some don’t.
That’s the genetics at play an ...
What is Eczema?
“Skin inflammation,” “dermatitis,” and “eczema” are typically used to describe the same thing—itchy and chronic skin inflammation. The term, eczema, used by itself, refers to the condition known as atopic dermatitis, which is a genetic (hereditary) tendency to develop eczema, usually beginning in childhood. In fact up to 20% of children worldwide have it (11% in the USA), and it appears to be increasing for unknown reasons. Almost three quarters of those with it have a family history of allergies such as eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis (allergic runny nose).
People with it don’t “catch” eczema. The fault is in their stars—or in their case, their genes.
The beauty of skin is only skin deep
Skin is the first barrier against bad things in the environment. It not only provides the first defense against irritants and infections, but it also is important in preventing loss of water. In ecze ...
