Premium Essay

Atopic Asthma Case Study

Submitted By
Words 1489
Pages 6
Asthma, one of the most common chronic diseases, is a significant cause of disability, as it is responsible for population morbidity and causes a large healthcare burden worldwide and thus remains a global health concern (Edwards et al. 2012). Atopic asthma is considered an inappropriate immune T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) mediated response (Navarro et al. 2010; Allan & Devereux 2011). Dendritic cell persistence and activation of the adaptive immune response upon antigen detection are important in in the clearance of pathogens via this Th2 pathway. However, in an atopic asthmatic patient, the homeostatic equilibrium between this inflammatory Th2 mediated response and the T regulatory (Treg) cell response that dampen and suppress both effector …show more content…
When an individual is born no dendrite cells inhabit the airway and only when this epithelial barrier is damaged or is activated do these dendrite cells migrate and maturate from the bone marrow (Kudo, Ishigatsubo & Aoki 2013; Rodriguez et al. 2011). The immune system is initiated by the binding of a pathogen on epithelial pattern associated recognition receptors. This then activates a release of pro inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobial peptides that trigger the immune cells (Parker & Prince 2011; Lambrecht & Hammad 2012). This activation of the epithelial cells is thought the key event in the recognition of allergens that activates local dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are antigen presenting cells that induct the adaptive immune response by presenting the antigen to T cells in the mediastinal lymph nodes via the MHC/T-cell receptor complex and directly on T cells to promote Th2 cytokine production for protective immunity (Robinson 2010; Hammad et al. …show more content…
2011). In this experiment, dendritic cells were depleted in both exposed and naive balb/c mice and no development of allergic inflammation occurred in response to exposure to allergen (van Rijt et al. 2011). Also, mature dendritic cells maintained an activated pro-Th2 state after the inflammatory response within the airways, which may suggest that the prolonged activation of the dendritic cells might be implicated in the sensitization in atopic asthma (van Rijt et al. 2011). This experiments performed in this study were conducted 2-6 times on a sample size of 5-10 mice. Statistical significance of difference was considered through having a P value of less than 0.05. The methodology appears sound and repeatable, and the small sample size seems justified as the specimens needed to be

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Narrative

...your hands or forearms * Blood clots * Ulcers on your toes and fingers * Raynaud’s syndrome, a narrowing of blood vessels in your hands and sometimes your toes TREATMENT * Stopping all smoking and other forms of tobacco use * Having surgery to bring blood to the affected tissues (people who have smoked for more than 20 years are more likely to need surgery COMPLICATIONS * Changes in the way you walk or move due to pain * Ulcers * Tissue damage or tissue death * Gangrene * Amputation ASTHMA What is Asthma? * Asthma existed in ancient egyptian times and there’s some evidence that asthma has been around even before that. The Georg Ebers papyrus – found in egypt in 1970’s – contains prescription written in hieroglyphics for over 700 remedies * Asthma is a condition that causes long term inflammation of the air ways. The inflammation makes the airways over react to certain triggers. During an asthma flare-up the muscle sorrounding the tubes that carry air into the lungs ( bronchial tubes ) go into spasm; the...

Words: 3065 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Asthma Condition

...Thesis Statement Writing Tuesday, Jun. 8th 2010 Before you familiarize yourself with thesis statement writing, you need to know what the statement is in the first place. This sentence basically sums up your main objective for writing the term paper, creates a simple guide for the reader and provides the basis for your argument. All in all thesis statement writing is quite simple, as long as you keep some tips and techniques in mind. The first thing you need to do is put together one question which is only possible if you compress the entire thesis. A great way to do this is examine the main topic and create a question out of it. It will give you a basic idea of what the statement should look like and how you should answer that question. The first sentence should introduce the topic and the objective and the next few should spell out how you plan to support your argument. Thesis statement writing, therefore, is about asking yourself the fundamental question that forms the essence of your paper. When you are done writing the statement, step back and examine in from another point of view to determine whether it is strong or weak. A strong statement is one which sparkles with confidence and focuses on one and only one aspect of the issue. This means that you can’t be vague or off-hand about the topic. If you have selected a theme, you should be ready to stand up for it- now is not the time to be diplomatic or meek. In addition to that, it should also spell out the basis for...

Words: 4119 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Josh's Asthma Case Study Answers

...Questions and Discussion 1. Explain the basis of Josh’s chest tightness and radiographic findings. Due to his asthma Josh’s airways can become inflamed and the smooth muscle constricted, this can resulting in negative pressure in the airways during inspiration and positive pressure during expiration causing a narrowing of the airways. Air can become trapped in the lungs due to the narrowing of the airways resulting in an increased residual lung volume at the end of expiration. A high residual lung volume causes the muscles to work harder and therefore chest tightness can be felt. The high residual lung volume can also account for the hyperinflation of lungs which was seen on Josh’s radiograph, the peribronchial inflammation in asthma causes bronical marking around the airways, which occurs when excess mucus builds up in the small airway passages of the lungs. 2. Explain the failure of Josh’s asthma to improve despite frequent use of bronchodilators, and his response to steroid therapy. Bronchodilators simply cause the smooth tissue to relax, allow the airways in the lungs to open up, but in severe/ chronic cases of allergic asthma there are multiple symptoms other than constriction of the smooth muscles. Patients with chronic allergic asthma also experience production of excess mucus and...

Words: 1304 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Geographic Tongue

...Marks demonstrated a correlation between rhinitis/extrinsic asthma and geographic tongue. The studies “suggest that geographic tongue is a sign common to those patients who have a tendency to develop recurrent acute inflammatory disease on surfaces in contact with the external environment (for example, asthma or rhinitis), whether they are atopic or not” (Marks). As previously discussed, increased levels of HLA-DRW6 antigen found in those diagnosed with geographic tongue have also been linked to short-ragweed Ra6 allergy (Marsh) as well as pemphigus vulgaris, dermatitis, herpetiformis, and type I diabetes (“HLA DR Antigen”), which further demonstrates a possible predisposition and correlation between autoimmunity/genetics and migratory stomatitis. Marks also conducted a similar study comparing geographic tongue patients with a healthy control and found that “There was a significantly high frequency of personal and/or family history of asthma, eczema and hay fever amongst the patients when compared to a control population” and “A raised total serum of IgE (greater than or equal to 200u/ml) was significantly more frequent in patients compared to a control population” (Marks*). This study also showed “an increased incidence of tissue type HLA-B15 in atopic patients with geographic tongue” (Jainkittivong). The HLA-B15 antigen has been associated with erythema multiforme, “an acute, self-limited, and...

Words: 1613 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Historical Perspectives of the Diagnosis of Asthma in Children

...Historical Perspectives of the Diagnosis of Asthma in Children 1. Introduction: The causes of Asthma: Looking at some recent reports of asthma disease, most of the acute exacerbation because cold and phlegm caused by dysfunction of the lungs which occurred in sputum of asthma. Chronic repeatedly patients mostly offset organs function. Its complex etiology occurs due to some reasons of genetic, physical fitness, diet, environment, age, and other factors related to work and rest, and emphasize internal and external consistency due to infestation. Asthma patients in the onset of the disease is often accompanied by an abnormal increase in serum IgE, IgE is the primary antibody of Ι type hypersensitivity, when its binding to the antigen, mast cells and basophils release of large amounts of biologically active substances, causing a series Asthma disease symptoms, but also by the synthesis of IgE Ts cell regulation (Huang Zhiying 2011). The physiological basis of Asthma: There are many different causes of bronchial obstruction, which is the synonymous of asthma, such as bronchospasm, abnormalities, new growths, swelling of the bronchial mucosa and so on. Some causes may result in mechanical obstruction by new growth, foreign bodies and congenital abnormalities. There are also some secondary obstructions such as mucous secretions, bronchial mucosa swelling and bronchospasm. The reaction of bronchi to irritation with a kind of inside defense mechanism by human body. To antagonize...

Words: 1803 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Asthma

...Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that affects millions of children in America. Millions of children are diagnosed with the disease each year, and are frequent visitors of the countries’ emergency rooms. Asthma is Greek for panting, which is what asthmatics experience when they experience an asthma attack (Eisele, 2003). According to Neergard (2006), more than 20 million Americans have asthma, and the chronic lung disease is on the rise. This paper will discuss the, causes, symptoms, treatments and the demographics of children being diagnosed with the disease. In order to understand the severity of the disease called asthma, one must understand it causes. These causes lead to the symptoms that have thus far caused the disease to kill 5,000 people every year and accounts for 2 million emergency-room visits (Neergaard, 2006). Though there are treatments for the disease widely available, certain causes of the diseases aren’t concretely founded, causing asthma to remain a mysterious disease to doctors. In the following we will go on a journey to discover the mysterious, precarious reality of children diagnosed with asthma. According to Eisele (2003), five thousand people die of it every year in the United States. Currently it's the sixth most common chronic condition in the nation. Three times as many people have it now as in 1980. Some 6 million of them are children. For children, asthma is the most common chronic disorder, the leading cause of missed school, and the leading...

Words: 2015 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Asthma Case Study

...ASTHMA PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS ASTHMA CASE STUDY RICK, 44 YO MALE COMES TO CLINIC COMPLAINING OF ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA. HE HAS HAD MILD INTERMITTENT ASTHMA FOR YEARS THAT IS TRIGGERED BY ALLERGIES AND RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS. THE PAST FEW WEEKS HIS SEASONAL ALLERGIES HAVE BEEN BOTHERING HIM, HE HAS BEEN USING HIS ALBUTEROL A COUPLE TIMES A DAY FOR A WHEEZY COUGH. HAS BEEN TAKING BENADRYL FOR HIS ALLERGIES, BUT IT MAKES HIM SLEEPY AND HE CAN’T TAKE IT AT WORK. HE IS ABLE TO WORK, BUT HE CANNOT FINISH HIS ROUTINE 5-MILE RUN EACH DAY DUE TO COUGHING. PHYSICAL EXAM: AFEBRILE, 02 SAT 95% ROOM AIR, SPIROMETRY FEV1 75% MEDICATIONS: ALBUTEROL INHALER & BENADRYL ETIOLOGY OF ASTHMA • The complete causes of asthma are unknown. Heredity does seem to play a role as do allergens and environmental factors. Atopy – genetic predisposition for developing IgE-mediated response to common aeroallergens, is strongest predisposing factor for development of asthma. • Allergic/extrinsic asthma – result of antigen/antibody reaction on mast cells in respiratory tract. Causes release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells which elicit clinical response associated with an asthma attack. Usual onset 5 15 yrs. • Idiosyncratic asthma- neurological imbalance in ANS in which alpha and beta adrenergic as well as cholinergic sites of the ANS are not properly coordinated. Usual onset later in life. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF ASTHMA • Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways...

Words: 1684 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Case Pres

...ASTHMA BRIEF BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system in which the airway occasionally constricts, becomes inflamed, and is lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers. These episodes may be triggered by such things as exposure to an environmental stimulant (or allergen), cold air, warm air, moist air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress. In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as those that cause the common cold. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The airway constriction responds to bronchodilators. Between episodes, most patients feel well but can have mild symptoms and they may remain short of breath after exercise for longer periods of time than the unaffected individual. Signs and symptoms In some individuals asthma is characterized by chronic respiratory impairment. In others it is an intermittent illness marked by episodic symptoms that may result from a number of triggering events, including upper respiratory infection, stress, airborne allergens, air pollutants (such as smoke or traffic fumes), or exercise. An acute exacerbation of asthma is referred to as an asthma attack. The clinical hallmarks of an attack are shortness of breath (dyspnea) and either wheezing or stridor. Although the former is "often regarded as the sine qua non of asthma," some patients present primarily with coughing...

Words: 3267 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Soy and Milk Allergy

...Food Allergens       An allergy is used to describe a response, within the body, to a substance, which is not necessarily harmful in itself, but results in an immune response and a reaction that causes symptoms and disease in a predisposed person.  All food allergies are caused by an immune system malfunction.  The immune system identifies certain proteins as harmful, triggering the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize the proteins known as allergens.  Allergens are organic compound that contain hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, which form an important part of living organisms. Allergens contain protein, which is often regarded as a constituent of the food that we eat. For these to cause an allergic response they need to be bound to a protein once they are in the body.  An allergic person’s immune system believes allergens to be damaging and so produces a special type of antibody (IgE) to attack the invading material.  This leads to other blood cells to release further chemicals (including histamine), which together cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.  The most common symptoms are:  sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, severe wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, sinus problems, a sore palate, swelling, sickness, vomiting, diarrhea and nettle-like rash.Almost anything can be an allergen for someone, but the most common are: wheat, soy, milk, eggs, nuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and other, like sulfites, which are food intolerances and...

Words: 5096 - Pages: 21

Free Essay

Integumentary

...Integumentary Disorders Anatomy of the skin The skin consists of 3 layers: 1. Epidermis- non vascular outermost layer, continuously dividing cells 2. Dermis- takes the largest portion of the skin and provides strength and structure. It consists of glands (sebaceous, sweat), hair follicle, blood vessels, and nerve endings 3. Subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis)- the inner most layer. contains major vascular networks, fat, nerves, and lymphatics Function of the skin • Protection- protection of underlying structures from invasion by bacteria, noxious chemicals and foreign matter. • Sensory perception- transmits pain, touch, pressure, temperature, itching, etc • Fluid balance (excretion)- absorption of fluids and evaporation of excess. • Temperature regulation- produced heat released through skin by radiation, conduction, and convection 1|Page • Vitamin synthesis- skin exposed to ultra violet light can convert substances necessary for synthesizing vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). • Aesthetic- affects appearance Factors influencing skin integrity • Immoblity is the major factor leading to pressure sore development . • The pt who is confined to bed & unable to change position is at greatest risk . • Trauma most likely occur – over the prominent areas – weight bearing areas • • Prolonged pressure impairs blood flow to tissue & resulfs in ischemia & inferction The extent of pressure necessary to cause tisue damage...

Words: 3350 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

About Anaphylaxis

...although you may experience this severe allergic event without going into shock, and this would entail a precipitous drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis usually occurs after an individual has been initially exposed to an allergen. After that first exposure, the person becomes highly sensitized to that particular allergen. When they are exposed once again, a dangerous allergic reaction will occur and this usually happens within minutes. There are numerous allergens that may cause a person to experience anaphylaxis. These can include: insect bites, drugs such as vaccinations, foods like peanuts or shellfish, or chemicals like latex. Note that peanuts and tree nuts alone are responsible for about 80 percent of all fatal reactions. In some cases, physical exertion has shown to be a contributing factor in this condition. Symptoms There are many different symptoms that one can exhibit during an experiencing anaphylactic episode. Some of these would include: difficulty breathing, dizziness, coughing, hives, stomach pain, cramping, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, a blocked airway caused by the swelling of the throat, and even coma. If the episode continues for a long enough period of time, it may cause heart palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, or a heart attack. It would be wise for any individual with food allergies to be cognizant of the signs and symptoms of this dangerous condition. It is also prudent to remain aware of the allergens that are...

Words: 3166 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

What Is Hypnosis

...What is hypnosis? Aileen McCartney Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills – Year One - Module One MAIDS1A 12 Word Count: 1984 Tutor: Karen Martin Hypnosis is a well known subject to most people, very often through the drama of the stage or television hypnotist. However, the hypnotic trance is a natural phenomenon that most people will have experienced personally, whether aware of it at the time or not. An example of this might be driving a car along a regular route and arriving at the destination with no memory of the journey, having performed the activity safely and reliably while in another sense being quite detached from the experience. This altered level of consciousness is the starting point for the hypnotic process through an induction which focuses on relaxation, inner experiences, feelings and imagery (Heap & Naish, 2012: 7). It is generally accepted that hypnosis is a different experience to that of being awake or being asleep but debate remains over its true nature within academic and scientific circles (Karle & Boys, 2010:14). This essay will discuss the nature of hypnosis, focusing on the psychological and physical aspects while touching on the role of relaxation. Hypnosis is a complex psychological phenomenon and one which is difficult to find an agreed definition for. Indeed the American Psychological Association definition of hypnosis in 2003 is almost 300 words long but centres around hypnosis being a procedure of suggestions where...

Words: 3691 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Why Breast Is Best!

...Why Breast is best! To breast feed or to formula fed? That question crosses every new mother’s mind. The choice you make to that question is one of the first and probably the most significant decisions you will make as a new parent. Breastfeeding takes some time to learn for both you and your infant but is definitely worth the effort and time. Your choice to breast feed your newborn infant will affect his or her whole life, from birth throughout his or her adult life. There is no question that a mother truly wants the best for her children from the time they learn they are expecting their new bundle of joy. Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates your infant needs. Breast milk is far more than good food. It is a living fluid that protects your infant from disease and actively contributes to the development of your infant. As mentioned by Arsenault (2011) breast milk not only provides the nutrition your infant needs but it also provides protection by supplying your infant his or her first antibodies and immunities. Breast milk aids in protecting infants against infection and disease. According to the La Leche League International (LLL) (2004) Infant mortality rates are higher among artificially fed infants, even in places where everyone has access to safe water and good medical care. Morbidity rates- how often babies get sick- are also higher among artificially fed infants in both the developed and the developing world. Breastfeeding...

Words: 2539 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Can Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation Play a Role in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

...Food Sensitivities 9 1.5.5 Heavy Metal Toxicity 9 1.5.6 Nutrient deficiencies 9 1.5.7 Pregnancy/birth trauma 10 1.5.8 Hypoglycaemia 10 1.5.9 Digestive 10 1.5.10 Thyroid 11 1.6 Clinical Management 11 1.7 Understanding the Role of Essential Fatty Acids 12 1.7.1 What are Essential Fatty Acids? 12 Figure 2. Major Food Sources of Essential Fatty Acids 12 Figure 3. Omega-3 and Omega-6 metabolic pathways 13 1.7.2 Essential Fatty Acids and Brain Function 13 1.7.3 Physical Signs of Fatty Acid Deficiency 14 2.0 Literature Review 15 2.1 DHA Supplementation 15 2.2 Combined DHA, EPA, GLA Supplementation 18 2.3 Combined EPA, DHA, ALA Supplementation 19 2.4 ALA Supplementation 22 2.5 Summary of studies reviewed 23 Figure 4. Summary of Studies Reviewed 23 3.0 Discussion 24 3.1 Future Research 27 4.0 Conclusion 28 5.0 Nutritional Strategy 29 5.1 Benchmarking 29 5.2 Dietary Strategy 29 5.3 Lifestyle Strategy 29 5.4 General Supplement programme 30 6.0 Acknowledgements 31 7.0 References and Bibliography 32 7.1 Primary References 32 7.2 Secondary References 34 7.3 Bibliography 35 8.0 Appendix 36 8.1 Glossary 36 Abstract Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a diagnostic label used to describe individuals, who display a wide range of behavioural symptoms broadly defined as inattention, hyperactivity...

Words: 9455 - Pages: 38

Premium Essay

Weaning Messages

...Abstract In 2003 the Government’s recommendations for the introduction of solid food to babies changed from four months to six months. Many parents continue to introduce solid food earlier than six months despite being aware of the recommendations. Delivering key messages about weaning has always been a part of the health visitors role. However, no formal, evidence based weaning intervention is currently being promoted to health visitors and advice continues to be communicated at the discretion of individual practitioners. Very little research exists on this topic, much emphasis has been placed on encouraging breast feeding as the main focus infant nutrition literature. Yet childhood obesity is on the rise and establishing healthy eating habits as a baby could pave the way for healthy eating habits later in life. This paper looks at the ways professionals communicate general messages about weaning and attempts to provide some clarity and guidance for health visitors about a humanistic intervention to educate parents about the benefits of waiting till six months, rather than using ‘scare tactics’ as to what could happen if they wean earlier. It is hoped that not only will this paper provide guidance about best practice, it will also highlight the importance of the subject and the pressing need for urgent research on the specific topic of delivering weaning advice. Table of Contents Page Abstract 1 ...

Words: 11681 - Pages: 47