# data[].attributes.body
Asthma is a disease within the lungs that can make breathing difficult.

Asthma and allergies are two conditions that are closely related.

“An allergy to pollen, dog or cat dander (skin particles), or dust mites trigger most asthma attacks” (Hoefnagels, 2021, pg. 637).

The research of asthma has greatly advanced over the years, and continues to do so, through researching factors as to why asthma happens, where it is most prevalent, using the science of epidemiology, and with help from the CDC.

# data[].attributes.body
These include tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, pests, pets, mold, cleaning and disinfecting, and many others.

“Sinus infections, allergies, pollen, breathing in some chemicals, and acid reflux can also trigger attacks” (CDC, 2022).

A person with asthma may have trouble breathing while exercising.

“Physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather, such as thunderstorms or high humidity; breathing in cold, dry air; and some foods and fragrances can also trigger an asthma attack” (CDC 2022).

# data[].attributes.body
Sir William Osler was a great scientist that studied asthma in great depth in the 19th and 20th centuries.

“However, throughout the 20th century, his emphasis on the muscle spasms that cause airway inflammation meant that medical professionals began to overprescribe bronchodilators and disregard longer-term management” (Sullivan, 2018).

At that time, people were more concerned about bronchodilators and not as concerned with long-term treatment of the disease. This caused many deaths from asthma at the time.

The effects of asthma at that time have caused scientists to have the urge to advance this condition more.

# data[].attributes.body
The triggers of asthma could create a pandemic if there are not appropriate precautionary measures taken. To prevent a pandemic of asthma, people need to make sure they know their personal triggers and act accordingly.

“Respiratory infections like influenza (flu) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are more serious for individuals with asthma because they can lead to pneumonia and asthma attacks” (CDC, 2023, Respiratory Infections and Asthma).

The effects of pandemic causing illnesses can be even worse in those with asthma because it makes it even more difficult for the person to breathe.

# data[].attributes.headline
Where is asthma the least prevalent? Why?

# data[].attributes.subject
Where is asthma the least prevalent? Why?

# data[].attributes.body
Through some research, it is shown that many countries that are considered third-world countries have a higher chance of not having asthma.

“The lowest rates were observed in Vietnam (1.0%), Bosnia-Herzegovina (1.4%), and China (1.4%)” (Enilari and Sinha, 2019).

One hypothesis could be because of environmental conditions.

Concerns of pollution could be found to be a factor in one’s breathing as it can cause difficulty.

# data[].attributes.body
Epidemiology is “the branch of medical science that investigates all the factors that determine the presence or absence of diseases and disorders” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011).

This area of science helps scientists know of any changes in the condition or changes in the rates of the condition in specific areas.

“. Epidemiological research helps us to understand how many people have a disease or disorder, if those numbers are changing, and how the disorder affects our society and our economy” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011).

The use of epidemiology is essential when evaluating changes and challenges within a disease, such as asthma.

# data[].attributes.body
Unfortunately, Tennessee, the state I currently reside in, is not part of the twenty-five states the CDC (2023) helps fund. But, Kentucky and Georgia are the next closest states that the CDC helps fund in asthma control.

Kentucky: the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services which is located at 275 East Main St. in Frankfort, Kentucky 40621-2321.

Georgia: Office of Adolescent and School Health Chronic Disease Prevention Section of the Georgia Department of Public Health which is located at 2 Peachtree St. NW suite 16-301 in Atlanta, Georgia 30303

# data[].attributes.body
Some influences on asthma are tobacco smoke, dust mites, air pollution, pests, pets, mold, cleaning and disinfecting, and many others.

Since the 1900’s, Asthma has been shaped into what we know it as today.

Asthma is a condition that is the least prevalent in countries such as third-world countries. This may be because of environmental conditions.

Researchers use epidemiology to study the trends in the disease of asthma.

Asthma is an evolving disease that is being researched constantly to possibly find new advances and treatments.

# data[].attributes.body
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 12). Common asthma triggers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/triggers.html#:~:text=Sinus%20infections%2C%20allergies%2C%20pollen%2C,also%20trigger%20an%20asthma%20attack.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 8). Asthma - partner contacts and programs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/contacts/default.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023b, September 21). Respiratory infections and asthma. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/respinf.html

Enilari, O., & Sinha, S. (2019, January 22). The global impact of asthma in adult populations. Annals of global health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7052341/

Hoefnagels, M. (2021). Biology: Concepts and investigations. McGraw Hill LLC.

Sullivan, D. (2018, November 2). The history of asthma: Development, understanding, and treatments. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323526#takeaway

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011, September 13). What is epidemiology?. National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/what-epidemiology