Two Americans, Francis Rackemann and Isaac Chandler Walker were responsible for developing and advancing the skin testing and the theory of extrinsic and intrinsic causes of the disease.
In , Reindert Voorhorst discovered that dust mites are the major source of allergen in house dust and suggested a link between dust mites and allergic lung disease. In the years after World War Two, lung function tests and the production of the peak flow metre were absolutely instrumental in diagnosis and treatment of asthma, helping to identify seriously sick patients.
Throughout this time, treatment was still limited. Ephedrine was effective, and removal of allergens and adrenaline injections were offered. Asthma cigarettes -if ever there was an oxymoron — were made from the leaves of D. The first use of ephedrine as an aerosol was but It would be the s before aerosol inhalation therapy was marketed for asthma. Over reliance on these medicines though meant that the inflammation of the airways was going unchecked.
Only the bronchospasm was being treated. In the s, researchers began to address this issue, when the inclusion of corticosteroids in treatment became the norm.
Initially, the oral administration of steroids caused severe side effects that restricted long term use but the development of inhaled steroids with lesser side effects was revolutionary as these reduced the severity of disease, reduced inflammation and reduced the need for relievers. Today, we know that asthma is a chronic disease of the airways with links to the immune system. Inflammation occurs in the airways, causing blockage and breathing difficulties. More than 26 million people in the United States have asthma , and roughly 6 million of these are children.
The World Health Organization WHO estimates that this number has increased over 60 percent since the s and that the death rate from asthma has doubled in the same time.
The reasons for this are not entirely clear but certainly our move indoors has contributed. Asthma in children did not start to increase until , but by it had clearly increased to epidemic numbers in all countries where children had adopted an indoor lifestyle.
Our warmer, tighter homes have created an environment that dust mites love. Our lack of circulation of fresh air from outdoors allows the build up of allergens. Volatile organic compounds off gassing from our furniture, insulation , paints and a host of other products in our modern homes can trigger asthma.
Fungal spores, mould and particulate matter for cooking add to the problem. In spite of all the progress achieved over the past two centuries, the basic causes of asthma are still not fully understood. The immunobiology of asthma is still unfolding, with mystery enshrouding the exact nature of the inflammatory process and as long as this remains, a cure is unlikely. One thing is for sure, I, for one, am very grateful for every step away from the tortuous treatments and cures of the past.
These include breathing difficulties and possibly chest pain. This pain may happen…. Asthma is a chronic airway condition that leads to wheezing and difficulty breathing. Learn more about the types and causes of asthma here.
Asthma can kill individuals with mild symptoms - even those who do not routinely take medication. Find out why experts say it's time for a rethink. A brief history of asthma. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Asthma is ancient More recent developments Modern perspectives Takeaway Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways with links to the immune system. Asthma is ancient. Share on Pinterest Hippocrates was the first to links asthma symptoms to environmental triggers.
More recent developments. Share on Pinterest The over-prescription of bronchodilators led to an epidemic of asthma deaths in the s. Modern perspectives on asthma. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Origins of Asthma The term Asthma comes from the Greek word aazein which means to exhale with an open mouth, to pant, and sharp breath.
Stay tuned for Part Two where we continue the asthma journey into modern history! Sign up for emails from Asthma. Comments 7 comments. Comments 0 comments. This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Asthma. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here. Join the conversation Log in or create an account to comment. Community Poll What is the main reason you visit Asthma.
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