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This project is for people who died from Asthma.
Asthma is a common long term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person they may become worse at night or with exercise.
Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens. Other potential triggers include medications such as aspirin and beta blockers. Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry. Asthma is classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate. It may also be classified as atopic or non-atopic where atopy refers to a predisposition toward developing a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction.
There is no cure for asthma. Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids. Long-acting beta agonists (LABA) or antileukotriene agents may be used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled. Treatment of rapidly worsening symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist such as salbutamol and corticosteroids taken by mouth. In very severe cases, intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, and hospitalization may be required.
In 2013, 242 million people globally had asthma up from 183 million in 1990. It caused about 489,000 deaths in 2013, most of which occurred in the developing world. It often begins in childhood. The rates of asthma have increased significantly since the 1960s.
Asthma was recognized as early as Ancient Egypt. It was officially named as a specific respiratory problem by Hippocrates circa 450 BC. The word asthma is from the Greek ἅσθμα, ásthma which means "panting". In 200 BC it was believed to be at least partly related to the emotions.
Most deaths caused by asthma result from a gradual worsening of symptoms, and sudden and unexpected deaths are relatively rare. 'The ultimate cause of death is a shortage of oxygen,' says Dr Martyn Partridge, Chief Medical Adviser to the National Asthma Campaign.
Each day, ten Americans die from asthma, and and in 2014, 3,651 people died from asthma. Many of these deaths are avoidable with proper treatment and care. Women make up almost 65 percent of asthma deaths. African-American women have the highest death rate from asthma. Since 1999, asthma death rates have gone down by 26 percent. African-Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma. The asthma death rate was highest for people 65 or older.
The prevalence of asthma in different countries varies widely, but the disparity is narrowing due to rising prevalence in low and middle income countries and plateauing in high income countries. An estimated 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease.
Notable People Who Died from Asthma:
- Ranker - Famous People Who Died of Asthma (51 people listed)
- Wikipedia - Category: Deaths from Asthma (82 people listed)
- Charlotte Coleman (1968-2001) Actress (see: Find A Grave Memorial# 6000646)
- Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) 8th President of USA, politician, lawyer
- Gilbert Harding (1907-1960) Journalist, Police officer, Disc Jockey
- Krissy Taylor (1978-1995) Fashion Model
- Neil Francis Hawkins (1903-1950) British fascist (see: Wikipedia - Neil Francis Hawkins)
- James Gleason (1882-1959) Screenwriter, Actor, Film Director, Playwright
- Raj Kapoor (1924-1988) noted Indian film actor, producer and director of Hindi cinema
- Kamehameha IV (1834-1863) 4th Monarch of Hawaii (aka: Alexander ʻIolani Liholiho) (Alexander Liholiho Kamehameha IV & Prince Liholiho , II)
For Additional Reading See:
- Wikipedia - Asthma
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology - Asthma
- Mayo Clinic - Asthma
- MedlinePlus - Asthma
- American Lung Association - Asthma
- Daily Mail - Asthma: How can it become a killer?
- Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America - Asthma Facts & Figures
- World Health Organization - Asthma
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