Asthma in Developed Countries (SQA National 5 Geography): Revision Note

Causes of Asthma

What is asthma?

• Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition that affects people’s breathing

  • It causes the airways in the lungs to become narrow and inflamed, making breathing more difficult

• Although there is no cure for asthma, most people can control their symptoms effectively with treatment

• If asthma is severe or not well controlled, asthma attacks may happen, which can be life-threatening

• Asthma is a non-communicable disease

Global distribution of asthma

• Asthma is a common condition

  • Over 250 million people around the world are living with asthma 

• It causes around 455,000 deaths per year

• Asthma is more prevalent in developed countries

  • This is due to better diagnosis and factors like urbanisation

• However, most deaths are in developing countries

  • This is mainly because it can be difficult to get an effective diagnosis and treatment

• Urban areas have much higher asthma rates than rural areas because of poorer air quality

Causes of asthma

• Environmental factors

  • Exposure to air pollution, such as traffic fumes, can lead to the development of asthma

    • It can also make symptoms worse and cause asthma attacks

  • Allergens such as dust mites, pollen and mould trigger asthma attacks

• Lifestyle

  • Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke can lead to the development of asthma

•  Medical history

  • Severe respiratory infections during childhood can damage airways, leading to asthma

• Genetics and age

  • Children are more vulnerable to asthma because they have smaller airways, which are more sensitive to inflammation

  • Older adults are also vulnerable as they are more susceptible to severe asthma attacks and infections

  • People may be more likely to suffer from asthma due to family history

Effects of Asthma

Effects of asthma on people

• People with asthma suffer from a range of symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Wheezing and coughing 

  • Breathlessness during physical activity

  • A feeling of tightness in the chest

  • Asthma attacks, where sufferers experience severe symptoms which can be life-threatening

Effects of asthma on communities and countries

• Asthma attacks can lead to sufferers' dying

  • In the UK, 4 people die every day because of asthma attacks

  • The death of loved ones causes grief for families and negatively affects their health and well-being

• Poor health and long-term sickness

  • This leads to a loss of income for the person and their family

  • This could cause them to fall into poverty or experience a poorer standard of living

• More sick days or people being unable to work

  • This reduces productivity and profits for businesses

  • This leads to lower tax income for the government

• More pressure on the health and welfare system

  • There may be a shortage of GP appointments

  • The cost of healthcare increases for medication and treatment

  • Higher spending on benefits due to people being unable to work

    • Money needs to be diverted away from other sectors, such as education, which could lead to slower progress in those areas

Strategies to Manage Asthma

Medication

• Preventer Inhalers are used daily to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks

• Reliever Inhalers are used to relieve airway narrowing during an attack, allowing breathing to become easier

• Oral medications such as steroid tablets can be used during severe flare-ups or when inhalers aren’t working effectively 

Avoiding triggers

• Reducing exposure to irritants such as smoke, pollutants, dust and other allergens

• Ensuring good ventilation and cleaning to reduce dust and mould 

Education

• Doctors can create personal asthma plans to help sufferers recognise worsening symptoms and take action

Government policies

• Strategies to reduce air pollution can help to reduce asthma and asthma attacks in cities

  • For example, Low Emissions Zones (LEZ) in Edinburgh and Glasgow are helping to reduce air pollution in the city centres

  • Other options include improving public transport and encouraging walking or cycling to reduce harmful emissions