Predicting Asthma Attacks
by Lauren Whisenhunt
CBS 42 News
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Researchers at Georgia Tech are trying to unlock the mysteries behind what triggers an asthma attack in different individuals. The research team has developed a sensor box that is small enough to carry in the pocket of a lightweight vest. It is designed to continuously monitor the air around people who are prone to asthma attacks. The cause of each individuals asthma attack is different and that is what researchers are trying to figure out.
Inside the chamber of the senor box, the system is able to measure seven different environmental stimuli. These are all potential asthma triggers. This system allows researchers to monitor what is in the air around a person and how their lungs may be reacting to it. If the person wearing the sensor box has an asthma attack, researchers will be able to find out what might have contributed to it.
The box is so sensitive that it is able to pick up the formaldehyde and organic compounds in a magic marker. Every change is a clue as to what my be a contributing factor. If researchers can finally find a way to pinpoint what particular compound or what series of compounds are triggering each individuals asthma attacks, they will be able to help over 20 million Americans.
Researchers say the sensor system could be commercially available in as little as a year.
ASTHMA OR ALLERGIES? Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. The inside walls of the airways become inflamed (swollen) and narrow so less air can flow through the lung tissues. This in turn causes wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and trouble breathing. Asthma is linked to allergies, although not everyone with asthma has allergies. People with allergies tend to react more strongly to the presence of allergens such as animal dander, dust mites, pollen or mold, as well as cigarette smoke and air pollution.
smog Makes Breathing Difficult: Pollution is one possible asthma trigger. Smog can make breathing difficult and can make human beings more susceptible to cardio-respiratory diseases. People already suffering from heart or lung disease are particularly affected. The two main ingredients in smog that affect human health are ground-level ozone and fine airborne particles.
What IS SMOG? Smog is a mixture of air pollutants that form smoke and fog in the air. It is generally formed when ground level ozone, fine particles and other chemicals react on hot days. Ozone in the upper atmosphere protects the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, but at ground-level ozone is a highly irritating gas. It forms when two primary pollutants -- nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds -- react in sunlight and stagnant air. Most nitrogen oxides come from burning fossil fuels, while VOCs are gases that contain carbon -- usually emitted by gasoline fumes and solvents -- such as those found in some paints. Airborne particles, sometimes called aerosols, are microscopic particles of pollutants that can remain suspended in the air for a considerable length of time. Primary particles include windblown dust and soil, sea spray, pollen and plant spores.
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