Mohammad Nassau is a 15 year old male complaining of increase difficulty breathing over the last two days . From his chart , you see that Mohammad has a history of asthma and is on a maintenance dose of albuterol 4mg extended-release tablets twice a day. Dr. Williams has ordered a peak expiratory flow test and has referred Mohammad for allergy for allergy testing . 1-why is asthma considered a life threatening condition ? 2-Why did the doctor refer Mohammad for allergy testing? In addition to the prescribed medication, what can Mohammad do help reduce his symptoms?

1.Asthma  causes  inflammation of the  air ways (bronchi) with   particles in  the air e.g pollen grains, leading to narrowing of respiratory passages and swelling.This is followed by obstruction of these passages with mucus.if this becomes intense it  triggers coughing,sneezing, tightness of chest, and shortness of breadth.The latter effect to be specific leads to the collapse of the lungs.(Pnuemothorax)The latter leads to loss of O2 to the brain  and other vital organs  which is life threatening.

When the immune systems took  substances  like pollen grains (allergens)for an antigen, the  immune response releases chemical (histamine), this is the chemical that leads some of the symptoms of allergy and asthma. These sequence of event  is called  allergy.

If these occurred  in the lungs, it may produce series of asthma symptoms.(allergy asthma). In order for the doctors to confirm if it was allergy reactions that he  had, that is if he was having allergy asthma or  non-allergic  asthma  attack, he needed to ordered  the allergy test.

Periods of high pollen counts should be avoided.

Dust mites should be avoided.

Rooms should be kept dry to avoid humidity.

Pet allergy should be well monitored.

Effective air filters should be used.

Hot caffeinated drink should be taken,to generate heat, and to reduce contrition of airways.All these measures are important to prevent allergic reactions.

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