Lesson 11: The Respiratory System (page 9 of 19)

The best answer is false. Medical science has indeed shown that there is a link between diet and seasonal allergies.

 

Asthma

Asthma, also called bronchial asthma, is the symptom complex involving difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and thick mucus from the lungs. Sudden asthma attacks, especially in children, can be triggered by environmental allergies, such as mold and pollen, and by IgE type food allergies. (The discussion of food allergies is beyond the scope of this lesson. For more information see Food Allergies.)

Asthma is caused by narrowing of the bronchial airways due to muscle spasm, swelling of the bronchial tubes, and/or excess thick mucus. In addition to allergic reactions, asthmatic attacks can result from an infection in the lungs. When an infection is involved the onset of the asthma is usually more gradual. Asthma can also be triggered by emotional factors.

Notice! A sudden or severe asthma attack is a medical emergency that could result in death so it should be treated by a doctor. When there is a sudden increase in the rate of breathing with hacking and coughing without production of sputum (phlegm or mucus), the individual may not be getting air and could suffocate.


Asthma can be triggered by . . .

 

 allergies
 infection
 emotional factors
 all of the above
 none of the above

(Select the best answer and click on the “Continue” button.)