skip to content
  • Calendar
  • Maps

Asthma - Page 1

Review structure and functions of the respiratory system in the Case Study Workbook and through the following videos. All of these videos are on the same page. Scroll down to find each video:

Respiratory System – Respiration – The Mechanics of Breathing

Sixteen-year-old Ben Mason was warming up for a high school soccer game at the opponents' home field. The 45 minute bus ride had been hot and long. The wind was blowing and would most likely have an impact on the game. Just as the warm-up period was ending, Ben felt a familiar tightness in his chest. He walked to the sideline, grabbed a drink, and started wheezing. He started rummaging through his gym bag for his rescue inhaler and then started to panic when he couldn't find it. Breathing was getting harder. No matter how many times his asthma had flared up, he never got used to the feeling of not being able to breathe. He got his mom's attention in the stands and they drove quickly to the closest emergency room.

From the link discussing rescue inhalers, please answer the following questions.

  • 1. What is the most frequently used beta-agonist in a rescue inhaler?
  • 2. How does a beta-agonist work?
  • 3. How often can a rescue inhaler be used to relieve asthma symptoms?

View What is Asthma video and answer the following questions:

  • 4. What is asthma?
  • 5. What are symptoms of asthma?
  • 6. How many people in the United States are known to have asthma?
  • 7. What factors put individuals at risk to develop asthma?
  • 8. What environmental agents may trigger an asthma attack?

View Understanding Asthma video and answer the following questions:

  • 9. How long might asthma attacks last?
  • 10. Who is one of the earliest people to mention asthma?
  • 11. List stimuli that can cause asthma

Resources