Pg.no. 47
15. Disease and their Prevention
Figure 15.1 (Infected skin)
Figure 15.2 (Disease)
1. Asthma:
Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness
and breathlessness.
The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well
in most people most of the time, although some people may have more persistent problems.
Occasionally, asthma symptoms can get gradually or suddenly worse. This is known as an
"asthma attack", although doctors sometimes use the term "exacerbation".
Severe attacks may require hospital treatment and can be life threatening, although this is
unusual.
Causes asthma:
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and
out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than
normal.
When you come into contact with something that irritates your lungs – known as a trigger –
your airways become narrow, the muscles around them tighten, and there is an increase in
the production of sticky mucus (phlegm).
2. Alcohol:
Alcohol misuse means drinking excessively – more than the lower-risk limits of alcohol
consumption.
Alcohol consumption is measured in units. A unit of alcohol is 10ml of pure alcohol, which
is about:
half a pint of normal-strength lager
a single measure (25ml) of spirits