Food and nutrition.pdf

152 Nutrition Disorder Related to FoodAsthma currently affects more than 15 million Americans,approximately half of whom have mild, but persistent asthma (symptomsmore than twice a week). It is currently estimated to cost the U.S. economy$11.3 billion in health costs and lost productivity. The additional cost oftreating all patients with mild persistent asthma with daily medication isestimated at $2 billion.For the past 15 years, an epidemic of asthma has been underway inthe United States. The steady rise in the prevalence of asthma constitutesan epidemic, which by all indications is continuing. Even if rates were tostabilize, asthma would continue to be a profound public health problem.It is a potentially fatal, chronic disease responsible for over 1.8 millionemergency room visits per year, over 460 thousand hospitalizations peryear and over five thousand deaths per year. Although the burden asthmaaffects Americans of all ages, races and ethnic groups, recent data indicatethat children, low-income and minority populations have been mostseverely affected.It is only within the past 20 years that scientists have learned thatast:"'ma is due to an inflammatory process in the bronchial air passages ofthe lungs that causes chronic irritation and narrowing of the airways,resulting in loss of lung function. In 1991, the NHLBI's "Guidelines forthe Diagnosis and Management of Asthma" emphasized for the first timethe role of inflammation in asthma and called for the use of antiinflammatoryagents to reduce inflammation over the long term, inaddition to medications to provide symptom relief.In 1997, the updated Guidelines recommended that patients with mildpersistent asthma take daily medication, such as inhaled corticosteroidsor anti-leukotrienes, to prevent or reverse airway inflammation. Since antileukotrieneswere a relatively new class of medication, the guidelines alsocalled for additional research on them.Asthma is difficult to diagnose because it has varying degrees ofseverity and its symptoms are similar to other lung conditions. Workingclosely with your physician to set up a comprehensive management plancan help reduce the risk of severe attacks and increase your quality oflife. By identifying and eliminating triggers, routinely monitoring yourbreathing and properly using medications, you can help control symptomsand maintain your usual lifestyle. Patients must learn to identify thesetriggers and practice avoidance techniques. Patients should be aware ofany circumstances or substances that worsen their asthma.In most people younger than age 30, asthma is triggered by allergies.About 40 to 50 percent of adults with asthma are allergic to airborneparticles. Skin testing is the best way to determine to what substancesyou may be allergic. Allergens include house dust mites, cockroaches,