Antioxidants and Asthma Therapy - Research Paper Example

?Antioxidants and Asthma Therapy Introduction: The term asthma is developed from a Greek word that refers to “panting” (Barnes 10). Asthma is a widespread persistent inflammatory illness of the airways which is illustrated by airflow obstruction and chronic, erratic symptoms. The airways of an asthma patient swell hence restricting the flow of air in and out of the lungs, thereby making breathing complicated. This disease is also characterized by extreme mucus production, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. This paper will describe asthma and its influence on antioxidant levels. This essay will also explain how the antioxidant supplements can help reduce asthma symptoms and improve treatment. A number of individuals come across asthma as a minor hassle, yet for others; this disease is a crucial predicament which vastly interferes with the normal daily activities of individuals. Research shows that when an individual inhales a nauseating substance through his respiratory system it makes the person require supplementary air (Adams 9). This triggers the air tract to relax and open. However for people with asthma, these muscles located in the air tract tauten and cause the lining of the air passages to enlarge. Clinically, asthma is classified according to its peak expiratory flow rate, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the frequency of symptoms. In other unique conditions, asthma can also be categorized as either non-atopic (intrinsic) or atopic (extrinsic). Asthma Identifiers Diagnosis of asthma is mainly based on the prototype of the signs and symptoms or the response to the therapy (Paul 97). Asthma’s popularity has radically increased since the 1970s. According to relevant statistics, by the year 2010, about 300 million people were affected by this illness globally. These statistics justify that, in 2009, asthma had accounted for over 240,000 deaths world wide. Despite these shocking statistics, there are other relevant and alternative medications for asthma that help in dealing with the condition. Asthma is also categorized basing on the chronic nature of the disease, especially when there is no criterion that can be used to categorize the diverse subgroup of the infirmity based on other techniques. According to research being carried out currently on asthma, finding the subgroup identification criterion is a critical objective in the research. The table presented below shows how this ailment is classified according to its severity. Scientific taxonomy of severity Rigorousness in patients ? 12 years of age Symptom regularity Night indications %FEV1 of forecast FEV1 inconsistency Short-acting beta2 agonist for organism management use Mild intermittent Less than or equal to twice weekly Less than or equal to twice monthly Greater than or equal to 80% Less than 20% Less than or equal to twice weekly Mild persistent More than twice weekly but not everyday 3–4 monthly Greater than or equal to 80% Approximately 20-30% More than twice per week but not daily Moderate persistent Daily More than once weekly but not each night Approximately 60-80% More than 30% Daily Severe persistent All through the day Frequently (often 7 times per week) Less than 60% More than 30% Several times daily Asthma is not a key factor in the formation of illnesses related to the respiratory tract. One of the common diseases is referred to as persistent obstructive pulmonary syndrome. The persistent obstructive pulmonary syndrome consists of three diseases that are interconnected to the respiratory structure. These diseases are related to bronchial infections which are persistent. Research depicts that asthma in most cases affects the bronchial area while, on the hand emphysema affects the alveoli (Barnes 19). Classification of Asthma Types The common terms related to asthma include brittle asthma, asthma attack, exercise-induced asthma, status asthmaticus and occupational asthma (Jack 29). Brittle asthma is comprised of two diverse ailments that are primarily differentiated by their chronic and severe attacks. These ailments comprise of type 1 and type 2 brittle asthma. Type 1 brittle asthma refers to this infection that has an irregular wide peak flow despite the powerful medication prescribed to patients (Barnes 20). Type 2 is a well managed asthmatic situation which is normally characterized by abrupt symptoms (Barnes 20). A severe asthma exacerbation is another word used to describe an asthma attack (Adams 15). Most of the signs and symptoms related with asthma attacks are also similar to the primary symptoms of asthma. Other indications that take place during an asthma attack incorporate the use of respiratory muscles such as scalene muscles and sternocleidomastoid neck muscles, over-inflation of the chest and a paradoxical pulse which is weaker during inhalation and stronger during exhalation. Sometimes occurrence of a blue color of the nails and skin may be evident depicting lack of oxygen in the patient’s body; a condition called cyanosis (Nick 49). Status asthmaticus embraces a rigorous asthma exacerbation which does not act in response to steroid-containing medicines and standard bronchodilator treatments. Moreover, non discriminatory beta blockers have led to severe situations of this disease. Moving on to exercise-induced asthma, we find that this type of asthma is widespread in athletes (James 10). The participants of the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia mostly suffered from exercise-induced asthma. However, only a supremely few number of these individuals have access to prevention and treatment. Other activities that are related to exercise-induced asthma include long-distance running and cycling. On the contrary, the exercises that are not associated with asthma include diving and lifting weights. Treatment of the exercise-induced asthma can be achieved by using a short-acting beta2 agonist. In addition, most of these cases that are related to occupational asthma are associated with the industries like the manufacturing industry. The main cause results from prolonged workplace exposures. Statistics from the American Thoracic Society suggest that 15-23% of asthma cases in adults are related to exposure in work places. Products commonly associated with work-related asthma include dust, enzymes and other juices, rubber and reactive chemicals commonly used in manufacturing industries. However, these hazards can be alleviated to reduce the risk of contraction of the disease (James 15). Signs and Symptoms The most common indicators and symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing and tightness of the chest. Some asthmatic patients do not experience such symptoms but, they rather have trigger reactions or persistent airway obstruction (James 18). Relevant research carried out reveals that the severity of this disease is experienced early in the morning or in late night hours. Additionally, these signs and symptoms trigger other infections that are prone to attack asthma patients e.g. Gastro esophageal disease. This disease is quite existent in many patients with the asthmatic conditions. Various theories that have been developed to point out that this disease facilitates to asthmatic conditions. The indicators can also be triggered vastly by weather conditions and work outs. Risk Factors and Causes of Asthma Most asthma cases are related to genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors. The study of interrelated diseases like hay fever and eczema have succumbed to valuable clues about the risk factors associated with asthma. The risk factors are closely related to the rate of recurrence of signs and symptoms of the disease and its response to the recommended medication. A history of atopic diseases is one of the most potential risks that are associated with this illness (James 29). Moreover, for children of unusually low ages, we have to note the rise of immunoglobulin E and note the responses to allergy tests (Bock and Cameron 25). The chief causes of asthma are centered from allergen sensitivity from the interior environment Reduction of allergens in a home minimizes the risk of allergic sensitization. Doctors project much of their attention to empowering people in primary prevention of this disease. This majorly entails the reduction of the airborne allergens in home settings, especially for homes that have infants. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the rise in asthma predominance has echoed an epidemic rise in occurrence of obesity (Steven par.7). The risk factors that enhance the risk of developing asthma include having allergies, obesity, family history of allergies or asthma, exposure to passive smoking, living in a large city, gender, possessing infections of the upper respiratory as a preschooler and gastro esophageal reflux (also heartburn). Many of these factors are categorized under environmental risk factors which are associated with morbidity in children and asthma advancement (Bock and Cameron 78). Exposure to high levels of outdoor pollutants also contributes largely to risks associated with asthma. Observable studies have established that indoor disclosure to unstable organic compounds has also triggered the growth of asthmatic populations. The exposure to these compounds is associated with a boost in the IL-4 producing Th2 cells and a reaction in IFN-y producing Th1 cells. Therefore, low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) discharging materials are suggested to reduce the symptoms linked to asthma caused by a substance called formaldehyde and these compounds. In addition, these compounds cause inflammatory reactions in the airways, hence triggering asthmatic symptoms (Paul 21). Psychological stress is also being considered as an asthma trigger. Though this has not yet been proved, there are a lot of materials that maintain this assumption. Asthma Analysis Approximately 20 million individuals in America are suffering from Asthma. 9 million of the total suspected asthma patients are infants (Steven par.3). In fact, asthma is mainly the widespread persistent childhood infection globally. Nevertheless, asthma can either be allergic or non-allergic. Half of the asthma cases reported develop in childhood (below age 10), where most of the children who are diagnosed of Asthma also have other mild allergies. The allergic asthmatic condition includes an allergic reaction caused by an inhaled irritant like dust mites, pollen grains or pet dander which triggers an asthma attack. Asthma’s allergic condition happens to be the most common form of asthma (Barnes 20). These irritants enable the immune study of the body to spring to action. As the immune system deals with the irritants, it leads to an inflammatory effect instead of helping the patient’s body. On the other hand, the immune body is not involved with non-allergic asthma. Asthma attacks related to non-allergic asthma are triggered by smoke, nervousness, stress, cold air or even a virus (Steven 4). Some patients have the signs and symptoms especially when they perform exercises. This situation is identified as exercise-induced asthma. Asthma has no certain treatment; however, its indications and symptoms can be managed. Medical practitioners justify that patients with severe asthma conditions should employ conventional medications to enable curb the signs and symptoms of the illness. Likewise, using of alternative treatment option can entail medical supervision of customers in place of the conventional medicine to minimize the effects of the disease. The use of antioxidants significantly promotes asthma medications and healthy functioning of the lungs (Wickham par.1). Diagnosis Currently, there is no accurate immunologic, physiologic or histological test for the diagnosis of asthma (Adams 35). Diagnosis of this ailment is made from a pattern of signs and symptoms over time. For instance, a British firm associated with asthma research determines diagnosis of asthma through a reaction to treatment approach. Asthma symptoms mimic several conditions that enable the doctor rule out the disease. Doctors may use lung function tests to measure the amount of air one’s lungs intake and the quantity exhaled. This justifies the use of a peak flow meter or a spirometer which measures the quantity of air exhaled from the lungs and the velocity at which the air is inhaled. Other tests include sinus and chest X-rays, allergy examinations and blood tests (Adams 57). The diagnostic criterion used by this society is presented below: 1. Greater than or equal to 20% disparity on at least three days weekly for more than two weeks; 2. Greater than or equal to 20% progression of peak flow subsequent to treatment, for example, Ten minutes of inhaled beta-agonist; Six weeks of breathed in corticosteroid; 30 mg of prednisolone taken for 14 days. 3. Greater than or equal to 20% decline in peak flow subsequent to introduction to a trigger factor. In contrast, an advance made by the US National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) affirms the use of an indicator pattern approach. Their strategy for the management and diagnosis of asthma begins from the assessment of any signs and symptoms present. The spirometer is also used to justify the diagnosis of asthma alongside these indicators. Asthma can be classified as either mild persistent, severe persistent, mild intermittent or moderate persistent. Mild intermittent asthma comprises of symptoms that occur in two nights monthly and two days weekly. Mild persistent comprises of indicators that occur more than twice weekly but not more than one case in a particular day. In addition, moderate persistent asthma constitutes asthmatic indicators that occur once daily and more than once in a single night each week. Lastly, severe persistent asthma entails asthmatic conditions all through the day on nearly all days and most frequently at night (Adams 89). The table offered below presents the severity of acute asthma exacerbations. Near-fatal asthma High PaCo2 and/or entailing mechanical aeration Life threatening asthma Any of the indicators in an individual with severe asthma:- Clinical indicators Measurements Fatigue Oxygen saturation less than 92% Low blood pressure Normal PaCO2 Arrhythmia PaO2 less than 8kPa Altered consciousness level Peak flow less than 33% Silent chest Cyanosis Poor respiratory effect Acute severe asthma Either:- Respiratory rate greater or equal to 25 breaths per minute Heart rate greater or equal to 110 beats per minute Incapability of completing phrases in single breaths Moderate asthma exacerbation Lack of indicators of acute severe asthma Deterioration of signs and symptoms Peak flow 50-80% best or predicted Antioxidants used in Asthma Treatment An antioxidant is a particle that is able to restrain the oxidation of other molecules (Colman and Parker 8). Oxidation refers to a chemical reaction which relocates hydrogen or electrons from one substance to an oxidizing agent. These reactions lead to the creation of free radicals, which are capable of starting long chain reactions (Barry and John 12). However, antioxidants are able to eliminate these chain reactions by eradicating free radicals and inhibiting other oxidation reactions. Though these molecules may seem advantageous, they also have their demerits. Antioxidants help in reduction of asthma symptoms. Some of the antioxidants that have evidently proved to minimize asthma effects include vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, phytochemicals, quercetin, lycopene and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (Michael et al. 12). Research approved by the Public Health department of Primary Care in the United Kingdom confirmed that asthma cases in adults are linked with a low dietary fruit intake and in particular the antioxidant nutrients vitamin C and manganese. The sources of antioxidants include grapefruits, kiwifruits, oranges, apples and red onion skins. The estimated 34 million Americans diagnosed with asthma are capable of getting help if they obtain the daily recommended fruit intake (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 17). However, only a third of the asthmatic population gets the recommended intake, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, presents the annual economic cost of the asthmatic population as $19.7 billion, with $5 billion of this sum being related to other oblique costs (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 5). Therefore, if the correct dietary steps are taken, billions of dollars spent in health care costs can be saved and used efficiently in other sectors. Antioxidants are mostly used in dietary supplements due to their ability of preventing diseases such as asthma, coronary heart disease, cancer and altitude sicknesses. The antioxidants that are able to curb asthma and other related ailments include vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, phytochemicals, quercetin, lycopene, choline, magnesium, fish oil, potassium, vitamin B6 and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) among others (Michael et al. 12). These antioxidants are clearly explained below. Vitamin C Reports show that the intake of vitamin C helps in reducing the risk of contracting signs and symptoms linked with asthma. Some of the foods that are rich in vitamin C include fruits and green leafy vegetables. Asthma patients have low concentrations of vitamin C in their blood leukocytes and plasma. Specialists maintain that in order for an individual to live a healthy life, one should take at least 1g of vitamin C each day. A preliminary study clearly proved that children with asthma who eat a diet rich in vitamin C, significantly lessen their wheezing and coughing symptoms. Vitamin C is water-soluble and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which ensure maintenance of a happy and healthy standard. This vitamin can donate a hydrogen ion hence, reversing oxidation and interfering with free radicals (Barry and John 26). Vitamin D Professionals in the medical discipline claim that asthmatic children with low vitamin D levels are at a substantial risk of suffering from acute asthma attacks (Judith 11). The scarcity of this vitamin in the human body is directly connected with the possibility of greater and severe asthma attacks. Vitamin E Vitamin E is an exceptionally essential antioxidant which plays the responsibility of critical protection against free radicals in the body (Barry and John 39). This vitamin is considered a hydrogen donor, since it becomes oxidized on its own, hence preventing oxidation of other substances that are more metabolically unbalanced. This reaction is vitally momentous whereby free radicals are present, since they are extremely reactive. They attack double bonds and in turn produce new free radicals. Research clearly theorizes that prominent serum vitamin E levels are interrelated positively with lower asthma rates. Some of the common foods that contain vitamin E include seeds, nuts and vegetable oils. Selenium Selenium is a negligible mineral that is necessary in incredibly minute amounts. Some of the foods that contain this mineral include nuts, legumes, seafood, cereal grains and animal products. Selenium is integrated with proteins to generate selenoproteins, which are imperative antioxidant enzymes (Judith 12). The mixture of selenium and proteins performs an array of roles in the body including immune enhancement, prevention of cellular oxidation from free radicals and thyroid regulation. Intake of selenium into the body clarifies low infiltration and airway hyperactivity. This proves that the selenium antioxidant has a strong immune protection against asthma. Beta-Carotene Beta-Carotene is a substance found in orange-yellow and dark-green vegetables, which is converted by the body into vitamin A. The converted vitamin A acts as an immune booster and natural antioxidant. This substance mainly prevents exercise-induced asthma. Doctors also specify that smokers or individuals who take simvastatin should not take beta-carotene unless prescribed to them by medical specialists. Decreased serum vitamin A levels in the body attribute significantly to worsened lung functions and enhanced levels associated with improved medical management of asthmatic signs and symptoms (Judith 13). Phytochemicals This antioxidant is found mostly in fruits and vegetables. Some of the common fruits that contain this element include pears and apples. These foods are optimistically associated with pulmonary health and lung function (Judith 17). Consumption of such foods proves resourceful in decreasing bronchial hypersensitivity and the risk of asthma. This antioxidant also ensures proper immune function. Quercetin This form of antioxidant is called a flavanoid. This antioxidant reduces the discharge of histamine and allergic or inflammatory chemicals in the body. Histamine contributes to allergic symptoms like watery eyes, running nose and hives (Fred 69). This makes the antioxidant appropriate in the prevention asthma. In addition, it can intermingle with other medications when taken therefore; one should seek medical assistance before ingesting this supplement. Choline This is a B vitamin that reduces the severity and frequency of asthma attacks. Prior evidence implies that higher doses of this supplement (3g daily for adults) works even better (Michael et al. 23). However, the high dosages are synchronized by doctors who inform the asthmatic patient on how to take the antioxidant. This antioxidant also helps in reducing the risk of asthma. Magnesium Studies show that magnesium can be used to treat asthmatic individuals with low magnesium levels in the body. Intravenous magnesium can be used in emergency asthma attack treatment. Taking oral magnesium is being researched on to prove if it can deal with asthma. Fish Oil Using omega-3-fatty acids found in fish oil is yet to be proven to treat asthma. In addition, research shows that fish oil supplements lessen inflammation and other asthma symptoms in infants and adults (Jack 26). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Doctors have justified that asthma is broadly influenced by low levels of this antioxidant in the blood. Research is yet to prove if taking CoQ10 supplements can reduce the risk of asthma. The minor supplements used in treatment of asthma are vitamin B6 and Potassium which are normally lowered for individuals who take theophylline (Michael et al. 19). People who have allergies and are asthmatic should visit their doctor for an elimination diet. Eating plenty of leafy vegetables and fruits daily also helps control asthma. Other techniques that can also be employed to reduce the risk of asthma include mind-body medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and conventional medicine. In addition, prevention of asthma is also vital especially after delivery and breastfeeding. Moreover, more adult women are diagnosed of asthma compared to adult men (James 45). This shows the correlation of asthma and gender. Low levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C and carotene in the body are observed in asthmatic patients. A research carried out in 2006 discovered that fruits and vegetables are rich antioxidant supplements that can be used to boost the immunity of an individual and also increase the functioning of the lungs, hence reducing the asthma indicators (Michael et al. 19). In addition, neither the EU Scientific committee nor the US Food and Nutrition Board has set safe ingestion standards for these antioxidants. Researchers also adjoin a warning to some of these supplements that are considered toxic like the selenium supplements (Michael et al. 10). Mainly, the researchers claim that taking a natural product at any dose is not a shrewd decision. Therefore, a dose is considered a highly vital aspect in health sciences and medicine. As of the year 2009, over 300 million people were deeply affected by asthma, hence leading to approximately 250,000 deaths each year (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 12). In conclusion, asthma rates have increased extensively between 1960s and early 2000s. Statistics show that 9% of infants in the United States were anguished by asthma in the early 2000s, compared to a mere 3.6% in 1980. Results from The World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show that 10% of the population in Switzerland suffers from asthma. Other related research in different countries shows that asthma cases are significantly rising from approximately 6% to 8%. A drawback in the history of asthma reveals that the disease was recognized in ancient Egypt where its treatment entailed inhalation of pure frankincense. In the 40s asthma, was ranked in the “holy seven” mental illnesses (Adams 67). Nowadays, research carried out in different institutions globally reveals that asthma can be efficiently managed by taking these antioxidant supplements (Michael et al. 20). Works Cited Adams, Francis. The Asthma Sourcebook. 2nd ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Publishers, 1998. Print. Barnes, P. Asthma. New York: McGraw-Hill Press, 2008. Print. Barry, Halliwell and John, Gutteridge. Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print. Bock, Kenneth and Cameron, Stauth. 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