Asthma was recorded to have first occurred in China, in 2600 BC. This was referred to as a respiratory disease characterised by “wheezing” or “noisy breathing”.
Individuals of any age can be affected by asthma, but most cases are seen in early childhood, with adult females developing adult onset or late asthma. The immune system is designed to protect the body from any invaders, or any substance that might be considered “toxic” or infectious to the body. Upon sensing the presence of these allergens, an inflammatory process is triggered. This inflammatory process causes the airways to swell, hence becoming narrow, producing more mucus and reducing the available passageway of air. This consequently makes it very difficult for breathing to occur.
There is no standard screening for asthma, but the Pulmonary Function test which determines the Forced Expiratory Volume in one second , using a spirometer, has been found to assist in determining variable airflow limitation. The frequency of signs and symptoms of asthma may depend on how severe, or intense, the asthma is, and whether or not the individual is exposed to allergens. While certain individuals have daily symptoms, others, occasionally.
Individuals with persistent moderate asthma have daily symptoms; are awakened more than one night per week- but not nightly, use long term control medicine daily; have some level of limitation with daily activity; and have a greater than 60 per cent, but less than an 80 per cent FEV1.