Asthma Informative Speech

I am writing today about a noncommunicable disease that affects 26 million Americans. The mortality rate of this disease is approximately 4,000 per year and causes almost 14 million visits to the Doctors office and 1.75 million emergency room visits. This disease is called asthma, also known to many as reactive airway disease. The reason I chose this particular illness is because of the impact it has had on my brother’s life since he was diagnosed at the age of 3.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs that affects the airways of its victims. It causes narrowing of the airways which then interferes with air moving in and out of the lungs. Asthma affects the bronchial tubes of the lungs, but not the air sacs. When the airway reacts, all the muscles around the lungs tighten up and prevent even more oxygen from entering in. As the body responds to the stress, …show more content…
Many times the disease is inherited and genetics outweighs lifestyle. However, there are things that a person can do that will decrease the amount of asthma related illnesses they experience, as well as the duration of time that they suffer with an exacerbation. Once diagnosed, staying on a scheduled medication schedule is important. Also, avoiding known triggers to your asthma is very important. Asthma is a condition which requires the person to be proactive against the effects of the illness verses reactive.
As I have stated before, asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs of its sufferers. I wish that I did not have to be as familiar with this disease process as I am, as my brothers illness does affect everyone in our family in one way or another. The positive side of this experience is that I am lucky enough to have a brother, who in the face of adversity is able to smile and triumph over his illness. Although asthma is a disease that affects the lungs, it’s clear that it does not affect the spirit of those that have