Acute Asthmatic Attack Background
Asthma is a small airway disease that causes airway obstruction due to bronchoconstriction (constriction of the airway) and increased sputum production. It is most commonly triggered by allergens exposure. Asthma among older adults are common and can be serious. Although many people have their first episode of asthma at young age, asthma can happen in any ages including elderly. Unlike their younger counterparts, the elderly are more likely to develop severe health problems Chronic Asthma with Airway Remodeling Incresed fibrosis Increased muscle thickness Increased mucus Increased inflammatory cells (CD4 and eosinophils) Effect of Inhibiting NF-kB on Airway Remodeling Decreased fibrosis Decreased muscle thickness Decreased mucus Decreased inflammatory cells (CD4 and eosinophils) Mild Asthma Minimal fibrosis Minimal muscle thickness Minimal mucus
(for example, respiratory failure) even during mild asthma attack. The condition rarely resolves itself and remains as a disabling disorder to the advanced age. Diagnosis of asthma in elderly may be missed due to the masking effect from other illnesses, such as heart disease and emphysema. The less active lifestyle of elderly compared to a young person also lowers the chance of provoking acute asthmatic symptoms (e.g. wheezing and breathing problems).
Thorax
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