The Argument Of The Tobacco Industry Essay - 877 Words

Tobacco is an argument that touches my feeling profoundly as my father used to smoke a lot and passed away because of it. When I read the article I can only see a rhetorical fight between parties where we basically know the truth but we pretend convincing ourselves that there must be a solution to meet everybody’ needs. Obviously the problem here is not just the tobacco; we could mention a lot of other products (specifically drugs) in commerce that are dangerous for our health. In the article, the tobacco companies argue the fact that they do not sell the concept of smoking but that the only role of the marketing is to help adults in making their choices relating the brand of the cigarettes. This concept to me could be translated as:† which brand would you like to get sick with?† (excuse my sarcasm). I definitively agree with the Supreme Court of Canada which states that â€Å"The State seeks to control the thought, beliefs and behavior of its citizens along the line it considers acceptable. This form of paternalism is unacceptable in a free and democratic society.† It refers to what tobacco companies argue against a ban where the state is telling smokers that they were not responsible of their own health, therefore comparing the state intervention as a role of a nanny. Well, I say: â€Å"Welcome to the nanny!† People need to be shaken. I know smokers that do not even remember why they started this habit. My former boss used to smoke in the office and sometimes he would light aShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Case Ban On Tobacco Ads By The Government Of India Essay760 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of case Ban on Tobacco Ads by the Government of India Introduction Can a ban of advertising on tobacco products keep young adults from developing the habit of smoking? Can it keep them away from trying it out? The Government of India thought so when it announced on Feb 6, 2001 that it intend to forward legislation to ban advertising on tobacco. I am going to examine the case for this proposed legislation. The announcement sparked a fierce debate over the issue. Is it ethical for theRead MoreBan All Advertising From The Tobacco Industry850 Words   |  4 Pages2001, there was an argument by the government of India trying to decide whether or not it was a good idea to ban all advertising from the tobacco industry. The government’s main goal was to find a way to reduce the number of teenagers using tobacco. The government believed that these advertisements encouraged teens to start smoking or to continue smoking if they were doing it already. As expected, this situation created a lot of tension between the government and the tobacco industry. This created twoRead MoreIndia s Ban On Tobacco Advertising849 Words   |  4 Pagesproposed a ban on tobacco advertisement in an effort to curb tobacco use with adolescents. It was met with sharp criticism from the tobacco industry. However, some saw it as a great move by the government in looking after the welfare of its citizens. I hope to explore in the essay each side’s voice as well as deal with the myriad of issues the government faced upon the bans proposal. Lastly I will give my opinion on what position the government should take. One the main arguments for this proposedRead MoreBanning Of The Law Of India1326 Words   |  6 PagesBANNING TOBACCO IN INDIA A case study in ethics management SUMMARY In order to better understand the complexities and difficulties of ethical decisions in the context of organisational management, we will examine one such decision made by the Government of India in 2001. The decision was whether to approve a bill that would place a ban on all tobacco advertising, including the sponsorship of sports and cultural events (Ban on tobacco ads by the government of India, 2001). After looking at the argumentsRead MoreThe Ban Of The Tobacco Advertising1084 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent when looking at the Indian Government’s deliberation over tobacco marketing and the usage of tobacco impacting their economy and population. The Government of India proposed bans on tobacco advertising leading to arguments for and against, it is however important to analyze both sides those in favor an those against, and any conflicts of interest that may be involved. Taking a closer look at those in favor of the tobacco advertising bans there are several factors to be considered. The GovernmentRead MoreBAN ON TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENT IN INDIA800 Words   |  4 PagesBAN ON TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENT IN INDIA In 2004 the government of India banned tobacco companies from advertising their products and sponsoring sports and cultural events. The objective was to discourage adolescents from consuming tobacco products as well as empower the government with the power to launch an anti tobacco program. . This issue created a serious problem in that it was both ethical and commercial, the government on one hand, believe it was its responsibility to protect the welfare ofRead MoreThe Issue Of Tobacco Advertising960 Words   |  4 PagesThe issue of how tobacco companies try to influence teenagers into adulthood to consume tobacco was further highlighted in a legal case in the US that resulted in a ban on certain adverts that were said to attract the young into smoking Camel cigarettes. The supporters made a strong argument on the financial contribution of the tobacco industry to the Indian economy, in that they showed that not only the profits made in tax were low, but the spending made on health as a result of smoking, surpassedRead MoreShould Smoking Be Legal?1706 Words   |  7 PagesSmoking tobacco has been in existence for thousands of years. For most of its existence smoking has been acceptable, tolerable, and permitted in our mainstream society. In recent years, smoking tobacco has been under scrutiny. Smoking bans have been introduced to restrict smokers from smoking in public and private places. For example, restaurants, bars, hotels, parks, and beaches throughout the United States have established the bans against public smoking. I discovered this has significance as itRead MoreBan Banning Should Not Be Banned981 Words   |  4 Pagesalso banned. In India specifically, a country that is renowned for its high use of tobacco production and use, the idea o f smoking has become a national crisis. With tobacco companies trying to push for freedom of speech† with advertisements, and the government attempting to assume a sense of responsibility, it seems almost impossible to find a solution that can encompass all perspectives. Pro-banning arguments Many feel that the Indian government should be allowed to intervene, especially whenRead MoreThe Dangers Of The Tobacco Industry974 Words   |  4 Pagesscientific findings? In the early 1950s, the Tobacco industry was in disarray over the release of a scientific paper, on several mediums, that demonstrated the connection between the carcinogens in cigarette smoke to several types of cancer. In reaction to this devastating paper, Tobacco executives banded together along with a public relations firm, R.J. Reynolds, in order to shroud the reality of the situation; the actions taken by the Tobacco industry, ranging from funding distracting research to

Literary Analysis Of The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock

Literary Analysis of The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock The human psyche has perpetually been characterized by a nagging sense of doubt. When one makes the decision to follow through (or, rather, not follow through) with an action, it is unlikely that he does so without questioning whether he made the right choice; this is recurring theme in literature, evident in works such as Crime and Punishment and A Separate Peace. T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock explores the universal nature of hesitation and self-doubt as part of the human condition primarily through apt use of metaphor, syntax, and allusion. Eliot uses metaphor to relate accessible, physical entities and concepts to more abstract themes present in the poem. In†¦show more content†¦This disdain of superficiality contributes to Prufrocks inclination to avoid interactions with those who conformed to the shallow behavior that characterized the periods social decorum. He feels that everyone involved is putting on airs, participating in meaningless gathe rings in order to accomplish nothing, much like the measuring of coffee spoons. In line 57, Prufrock refers to himself as â€Å"sprawling on a pin.† This is a reference to the practice of sticking pins through live insects and watching them squirm, which was a common amusement for children at the time (Napierkowski 122). By establishing this comparison between Prufrock and an insect, Eliot describes the scrutiny that Prufrock believes himself to be under by relating it to a familiar, yet morbid childhood pastime. Not only does Prufrock feel the sting of a puncture wound that he is wriggling to be free of, but he is under the lens of his captors, painfully self aware and self conscious. The idea of â€Å"sprawling on a pin† also implies that Prufrock sees himself as a mere insect, a pest, lacking human capacities of expression. Eliot also uses syntax to establish thematic concepts. In stanzas 7 to 9, Prufrock muses about how he has â€Å"known them all,† (lines 4 5, 59,62) referring to the people andShow MoreRelatedLiterary Analysis Of The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock Essay1336 Words   |  6 PagesA Literary Analysis of T.S. Eliot’s â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† T.S. Eliot was one among few poets and authors that dominated the years between the First and Second World Wars. Eliot showed his use of modernism techniques through â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock†, creating a powerful reputation around the world, particularly as a member of The Lost Generation in the 1920s. Eliot moved to and settled in London where he worked with famous poets including Ezra Pound, and published hisRead MoreThe Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock Essay1524 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Question: Part A: Analyze the social and historical context of a particular poem Poem: T. S. Eliot, ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock The context of any given text whether poetry, novels or a movie is always integral to its understanding. Social and historical context of not only the given text, but the writer’s context and reader’s context play an important role in the interpretation and understanding of the major ideas, issues, values and beliefs within the text. T.S (Thomas Stearns) EliotRead MoreThe Deeper Side of Prufrock from The Love Son of J. Alfred Prufrock1801 Words   |  8 PagesThe Deeper Side of Prufrock from The Love Son of J. Alfred Prufrock Thomas Sterns Eliot wrote the poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock over a period of six years and published it circa 1917 at the ripe old age of twenty-nine. As his first published poem, Prufrock revealed Eliots original and highly developed style. Its startling jumps from rhetorical language to clichà ©, its indirect literary references, and its simultaneous humor and pessimism were quite new in English literature. (WorldRead MoreTechniques and Concerns of Modernism1482 Words   |  6 PagesDemonstrate your understanding of the context and values of Modernism by close analysis of the techniques and concerns of Modernism that are reflected in one poem and one short story. Modernism as a movement is an artistic reaction to the conventional art and literature of mid- to late 19th century. World War I introduced advanced technology and the introduction of industrialisation provoked Modernist writers to express their concerns about the changing society and the complexities it of throughRead MoreThe Lovesong of J Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot5394 Words   |  22 PagesThe Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock A Descriptive Paper Presented to the Faculty of College of Arts and Sciences University of the Cordilleras In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Course English 2 Writing in the Discipline 10:20 – 11:45 MWF By Juan Carlos P. Canilao April 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 RESEARCH OUTLINE 3 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 5 CHAPTER II: DISCUSSION 6 Thomas Stearns Eliot amp; Why He Writes PoetryRead MoreNarratology And The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock Essay2087 Words   |  9 PagesNarratology and â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† Seymour Chatman writes of showing and telling as the distinctions that have been made when one is describing the narrative process (97). Although he goes on to explain how, in the study of the narrative discourse and narrative statements, the differences create ramifications that run much deeper than merely acts of showing and telling, the overall message remains the same: The narrative of any given story relates to how it is being shared, toRead MoreAnalysis Of The Appearance Theme By T. S. Eliot, Tennessee Williams, And Arthur Miller2539 Words   |  11 PagesSydney DeBerry Motlow English 2130 Mrs. Lockhart 20 November 2014 An Analysis of the Appearance Theme in Three Works by T. S. Eliot, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller â€Å"Once you allow yourself to identify with the people in a story, then you might begin to see yourself in that story even if on the surface it s far removed from your situation. This is what I try to tell my students: this is one great thing that literature can do -- it can make us identify with situations and people far away.Read MoreHesitation, Repression, and Indecisiveness in the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock1433 Words   |  6 Pagespathetic, inadequate, timid. Everyone knows a J. Alfred Prufrock, and everyone has a bit of him in himself or herself. Just like Prufrock we readers have been witness to the pretentious triviality of others, the women who come and go/ Talking of Michelangelo (lines 13-14), and the lack of confidence which prevents the realization of desires. Eliots careful choice of epigraph from Dantes Inferno reverberates throughout this poem as the logic behind Prufrock sharing his feelings with his listener. JustRead MoreAnalysis Of Eliot s Poem The Wast e Land 1401 Words   |  6 Pagescharacters who fit the type of modern man as described by Fitzgerald, Faulkner. The title character of â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† is a perfect example of solitary and utterly incapable of expressing himself to the outside world. As Eliot grew older, and particularly after he converted to Christianity, his poetry changed. The later poems of his work emphasized depth of analysis over breadth of allusion: they simultaneously become more helpful in tone; thus, a work such as â€Å"Four Quartets†Read MoreEmily Dickinson Essay1254 Words   |  6 Pagesher trip to Philadelphia. He was a clergyman and Emily looked to him with respect. He was similar to Emily in that he was a romantic person who sought solidarity too. It is said that although he was married, Emily had a love for him, and he may be the subject of some of her love poems. When Emily had enough poems, she went to find someone who could help her and give her advice about anonymous publication. On April 15, 1862 she found Higginson. She wrote letters to him asking for advice. He was

Pathology and Contemporary Treatment Alternatives Free Essays

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma is a complex disease on the rise in the United States. Most at risk include poor or inner city minorities that present with inordinately high rates of mortality resulting from the condition (CDC, 2005). Asthma may also be on the rise due to environmental factors including increased pollution and exposure to environmental toxins that may affect lung capacity (CDC, 2005; Hwang et. We will write a custom essay sample on Pathology and Contemporary Treatment Alternatives or any similar topic only for you Order Now al, 2005; Yang, et. al, 1997; Wickman, et. al, 2003). Asthma is a serious, potentially life threatening condition for the millions of sufferers worldwide. Doctors are still working to determine the cause of this disease and finding new ways to treat it. While there is no cure for asthma yet, researchers have uncovered multiple treatment alternatives that help patients with asthma effectively control their condition. Education, public response and intervention are all critical success factors for predicting the quality of life for patients with asthma now and in the future. Research supports the use of a defined set of treatment protocols for assisting patients with asthma lead a better quality of life. The basis for treatment, anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract and pathology of asthma in patients are all discussed in greater detail below. Normal Lung Function and Respiratory System The human body has two lungs located on either side of the chest. The lungs functions include passing oxygen from outside the body into our bloodstream and releasing waste materials in the form of carbon dioxide back into the environment (Gershwin Klingelhofer, 1992). During each breath the body inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide (Polk, 18). Oxygen combines with carbohydrates and fat in the body to product energy. During the process of creating energy water and carbon dioxide are formed that are expelled through breathing. The lungs consist of several anatomical structures including the bronchial tubes that enable expansion and constriction of the muscles in the lungs and chest. These tubes consist of muscles that allow air to pass deep in to the lungs. Bronchial tubes consistently change width, increasing in girth as an individual inhales and becoming narrower upon exhalation. In a person with a well functioning respiratory system all parts of the airway function synergistically to ensure maximum intake of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide with each breath. Air enters the body through the nose and mouth. It passes through the pharynx, larynx and trachea, all important parts of the airway (Polk, 18). The noses and sinuses act as conditioners adjusting the air temperature as it passes through other structures in the airway. The pharynx or back of the throat allows liquids and solids entering the airway to â€Å"drop out before entering the lungs† (Polk, 19). Likewise the larynx helps prevent other unwanted particles in the air from entering the lungs (Polk, 19). It is here that the body’s cough reflex lies. If something unwanted is present in the air being inhaled, the larynx will stimulate a cough reflex to help expel the object. While the larynx isn’t the only trigger for a cough reflect it is very important to the entire breathing process (Polk, 19). When a person inhales, the chest muscles in the body contract allowing the ribs to separate slightly. Air is then drawn into the lungs. The opposite happens when an individual exhales, allowing air to forcefully come out of the lungs. The abdomen is also involved in breathing. The abdomen attaches to the front and back of the ribs, pushing them up and out when breathing. Breathing thus incorporates the chest and abdomen. The more a person engages all the muscles and organs involved in respiration including the abdomen, the better able they are to take a full breath of air. In times of old doctors ascribed asthma to anyone having difficulty breathing regardless of the cause; during the 20th century however researchers refined asthma to include difficult breathing â€Å"Because of a problem that begins in the bronchial tubes of the lungs† (Polk, 15). Asthma is a complex disorder that doctors are still working to fully understand. While doctors have uncovered many potential causes for asthma, they are still not certain what exactly causes it and how to prevent it 100 percent in all patients. In patients with asthma, the ability of the bronchial tubes to adjust their width is often diminished, resulting in difficulty breathing. Children are often at increased risk for developing asthma, as their bronchial tubes are narrower to begin with than adult tubes, thus less change in width is evident even in healthy lungs. Exercise induced asthma is a form of asthma that results when the air present in the nose and sinuses isn’t prepared appropriately to pass through other parts of the airway (Polk, 19). Normally this form of asthma is easier to treat than severe forms of asthma whose cause is unknown (Hogshead, 1989; Guyton, 1991). During a bronchospasm attach involuntary spasms may prevent lung tissue from expanding to their normal size. Air can become trapped in the lungs. Cellular and structural changes often occur within the airway and lungs of patients with asthma, including thickening of the airway wall and inflammation (Saetta Turato, 2001). Normally as air passes through the lungs the bronchiols or airways get smaller. In a patient with uncontrolled asthma however, the sides of the airways typically become enlarged or inflamed (CDC, 2005). During an acute attack, the muscles or bronchiols surrounding the airways constrict, thus reducing the amount of air a person can pass in and out of their lungs (CDC, 2005). Once this constriction begins, mucus starts forming in the airways, causing even greater constriction and distress. Typical symptoms associated with an asthma attack include wheezing, chest pain and tightness, coughing and difficulty breathing (CDC, 2005). No one is immune from asthma. Children, adults and the elderly are all at risk. Some people are more at risk than others including people who smoke, those with seasonal allergies and anyone with recurring acute respiratory infections (CDC, 2005). Signs of asthma include physical qualities of the disease a patient, family member or doctor can easily identify such as dyspnea (trouble breathing) (Polk, 7). Symptoms include complaints generally associated with the condition, and may include headaches or chest pain, skin flushing and itching (Polk, 8). Dyspnea results from multiple conditions other than asthma including infections, allergies, foreign bodies present in the airway and associated factors (Polk, 8). It is important a clinician differentiate between asthma and other causes of the disease. Basis Contemporary Treatments For Managing Asthma The National Asthma Education and Prevention Panel consistently work with doctors to develop contemporary treatments to manage asthma (Moonie, et. al, 2005). Many of these treatments are based on empirical research that supports reduction of patients symptoms and prevention of chronic attacks. The goal of contemporary asthma care and treatment includes â€Å"control of asthma and good quality of life for asthmatic patients† (Gaga, et. al, 80). The basis for much of contemporary care is empirical based research, though trends are changing in an attempt to encourage doctors to improve patient awareness and education. Many asthma drugs historically are administered through inhalation. Inhalers are often prescribed â€Å"on an empirical basis rather than on evidence based awareness: (Virchow, 24). Much of the asthma management guidelines currently available offer â€Å"non-specific advice regarding inhaler choice† (Virchow, 24). As such it is important that GP work with patients to decide what the ideal inhaler is for all patients involved. The ideal inhaler according to Virchow (2005) is one that (1) is breath activated, â€Å"releasing medication only when all prerequisites for successful inhalation are met, (2) has a low intrinsic airflow resistance so children and elderly patients may use it and (3) is one that provides a flow-independent deposition of drugs in the lungs as well as feedback that reassures patients whether the drugs has been inhaled properly (24). Newman (2005) suggests the pressured metered-doze inhaler or pMDI delivers asthma medications in a reliable â€Å"multi-dose presentation† (1177). Key components of this devices help determine the amount of drug delivered to the patient. The researcher further suggests that pMDIs can be developed that are breath actuated and coordinated with â€Å"spray-velocity modifiers† to help patients unable to use â€Å"conventional press and breathe pMDI’s correctly† (Newman, 1177). Modern or contemporary pMDI’s according to Newman should also contain non-ozone depleting propellants, a sentiment confirmed by Virchow (2005) as well. Patients with severe refractory asthma require more comprehensive treatment. High-doses of inhaled corticosteroids are often insufficient for treating this form of asthma. Most require contemporary treatments including oral corticosteroid administration and use of immunosuppressants (Sano, Adachi, Kiuchi Miyamoto, 2005). Chronic use of these drugs however present a high risk for adverse side effects. A study conducted by Sano, et. al (2005) suggests that nebulized sodium cromoglycate â€Å"is expected to be a new second-line therapeutic option in severe asthma† (1). Gaga, et. al (2005) suggests that many doctors are not achieving good quality of life and control of asthma for patients. Their study of treatment outcomes for asthmatic patients in specialized care suggests that contemporary treatments should include more patient education combined with increased use of LABAs (Long-acting beta2-agonists) and leukotriene antagonists to help prevent bronchoconstriction and improve quality of life for patients. Despite multiple contemporary treatment choices, managing acute severe asthma attacks still present a tremendous health challenge to health care professionals (Barnard, 2005). Contemporary guidelines for treating acute emergency attacks currently include treatment with oxygen and inhaled beta 2 agonists, which can be administered continuously to help preserve life in acute patients (Barnard, 532). Patients discharged after such treatment should also engage in review of current medications and consider â€Å"a short course of oral steroids, a written asthma action plan and detailed advice about deterioration that may occur within 48 hours† (Barnard, 533). Butz et. al, (2005) are among a growing body of contemporary researchers that suggests that self management and patient education are critical success factors for treating patients with asthma in modern society. Their studies suggested home based educational programs that focus on accurate symptom identification and demonstration of â€Å"asthma medication delivery services† may improve patient quality of life and assist children with asthma and asthma like conditions (Butz, et. al, 190). Delaronde, Peruccio Bauer (2005) find that â€Å"individualized telephonic case management† from registered nurses specifically trained in contemporary asthma treatment may improve asthma medication use and subsequent quality of life for patients with asthma (361). This research correlates with a growing body of evidence supporting patient education and direct support as practical contemporary treatment practices. The basis for much of contemporary treatment lies in the gold standards or clinical practice guidelines outlined by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program’s Expert Panel (CDC, 2005). These standards offer patients and health care practitioners specific guidelines for recognizing, diagnosis, treating and providing ongoing care to asthmatic patients. Because asthma is a difficult disease to diagnose, clinicians should utilize multiple diagnostic tools to determine whether airflow obstruction in patients results from asthma or other underlying conditions. Doctors should also acquire a comprehensive medical and family history and attempt to quantify the severity of a person’s condition (CDC, 2005). Other contemporary diagnostic criteria helpful for assessing a patients condition include lung function tests (also referred to as spirometry) (CDC, 2005). Because there is no cure for asthma at this time doctors must work to improve the quality of life for patients presenting with asthma as effectively treat acute attacks. Doctors also work with patients to prevent attacks and recurrent episodes. Not one treatment modality works for all people because every case of asthma is unique. Because of this doctors often use various medications including injections, oral medications, vapors and inhalers. Use of inhalers to expand airflow is currently one of the most common and effective long-term treatment choices for patients with asthma. Contemporary long lasting medical treatments should include use of corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways. Most patients will inhale these medicines or take them orally. Long acting beta2-agonists are also identified as effective long-term treatments for patients with asthma. While inhalers, nebulizers and other medications all serve the asthmatic population, education should also form the foundation for modern treatment practices. Multiple researchers have concluded that patient education is effective for improving the quality of life in patients with asthma. Education also ensures that patients understand how to use their medications and do use them to prevent acute attacks. Education may be particularly beneficial for children by helping them adopt healthy behaviors early on that can help control their condition. Asthma is a complex disease involving structural and physiological components. Patients with asthma face a life long and often debilitating condition that under severe circumstances may result in increased morbidity. Fortunately there are many treatments currently available that effectively manage this condition. Contemporary management and treatment of asthma is based on empirical research that suggests multiple forms of medication for preventing and treating acute asthma attacks. The most common forms of treatment include corticosteroid administration through inhalers or oral forms. There are other equally effective medical treatments however that may work well for patients depending on the severity of their illness. No two patients are alike with respect to the condition thus treatment must be tailored to the individual. New research suggests that doctors and patients focus on prevention and education to help improve patients quality of life and experience of their disease (West, 1990). Education that starts early, as when patients are children, is likely to be more effective than education that starts years after an individual has attempted to manage their disease using other methods. Adequate evidence suggests that the manner of delivery for education does not impact a patients success rate. Thus information may be distributed in person, in the home or even over the telephone if necessary. The currently body of literature available suggest that education in the classroom may also be an important avenue for teaching prevention and treatment in the future (West, 1990). It is important that researchers and doctors continue exploring new avenues for treating and preventing this insidious disease. How to cite Pathology and Contemporary Treatment Alternatives, Essay examples Pathology and Contemporary Treatment Alternatives Free Essays According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma is a complex disease on the rise in the United States. Most at risk include poor or inner city minorities that present with inordinately high rates of mortality resulting from the condition (CDC, 2005). Asthma may also be on the rise due to environmental factors including increased pollution and exposure to environmental toxins that may affect lung capacity (CDC, 2005; Hwang et. We will write a custom essay sample on Pathology and Contemporary Treatment Alternatives or any similar topic only for you Order Now al, 2005; Yang, et. al, 1997; Wickman, et. al, 2003). Asthma is a serious, potentially life threatening condition for the millions of sufferers worldwide. Doctors are still working to determine the cause of this disease and finding new ways to treat it. While there is no cure for asthma yet, researchers have uncovered multiple treatment alternatives that help patients with asthma effectively control their condition. Education, public response and intervention are all critical success factors for predicting the quality of life for patients with asthma now and in the future. Research supports the use of a defined set of treatment protocols for assisting patients with asthma lead a better quality of life. The basis for treatment, anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract and pathology of asthma in patients are all discussed in greater detail below. Normal Lung Function and Respiratory System The human body has two lungs located on either side of the chest. The lungs functions include passing oxygen from outside the body into our bloodstream and releasing waste materials in the form of carbon dioxide back into the environment (Gershwin Klingelhofer, 1992). During each breath the body inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide (Polk, 18). Oxygen combines with carbohydrates and fat in the body to product energy. During the process of creating energy water and carbon dioxide are formed that are expelled through breathing. The lungs consist of several anatomical structures including the bronchial tubes that enable expansion and constriction of the muscles in the lungs and chest. These tubes consist of muscles that allow air to pass deep in to the lungs. Bronchial tubes consistently change width, increasing in girth as an individual inhales and becoming narrower upon exhalation. In a person with a well functioning respiratory system all parts of the airway function synergistically to ensure maximum intake of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide with each breath. Air enters the body through the nose and mouth. It passes through the pharynx, larynx and trachea, all important parts of the airway (Polk, 18). The noses and sinuses act as conditioners adjusting the air temperature as it passes through other structures in the airway. The pharynx or back of the throat allows liquids and solids entering the airway to â€Å"drop out before entering the lungs† (Polk, 19). Likewise the larynx helps prevent other unwanted particles in the air from entering the lungs (Polk, 19). It is here that the body’s cough reflex lies. If something unwanted is present in the air being inhaled, the larynx will stimulate a cough reflex to help expel the object. While the larynx isn’t the only trigger for a cough reflect it is very important to the entire breathing process (Polk, 19). When a person inhales, the chest muscles in the body contract allowing the ribs to separate slightly. Air is then drawn into the lungs. The opposite happens when an individual exhales, allowing air to forcefully come out of the lungs. The abdomen is also involved in breathing. The abdomen attaches to the front and back of the ribs, pushing them up and out when breathing. Breathing thus incorporates the chest and abdomen. The more a person engages all the muscles and organs involved in respiration including the abdomen, the better able they are to take a full breath of air. In times of old doctors ascribed asthma to anyone having difficulty breathing regardless of the cause; during the 20th century however researchers refined asthma to include difficult breathing â€Å"Because of a problem that begins in the bronchial tubes of the lungs† (Polk, 15). Asthma is a complex disorder that doctors are still working to fully understand. While doctors have uncovered many potential causes for asthma, they are still not certain what exactly causes it and how to prevent it 100 percent in all patients. In patients with asthma, the ability of the bronchial tubes to adjust their width is often diminished, resulting in difficulty breathing. Children are often at increased risk for developing asthma, as their bronchial tubes are narrower to begin with than adult tubes, thus less change in width is evident even in healthy lungs. Exercise induced asthma is a form of asthma that results when the air present in the nose and sinuses isn’t prepared appropriately to pass through other parts of the airway (Polk, 19). Normally this form of asthma is easier to treat than severe forms of asthma whose cause is unknown (Hogshead, 1989; Guyton, 1991). During a bronchospasm attach involuntary spasms may prevent lung tissue from expanding to their normal size. Air can become trapped in the lungs. Cellular and structural changes often occur within the airway and lungs of patients with asthma, including thickening of the airway wall and inflammation (Saetta Turato, 2001). Normally as air passes through the lungs the bronchiols or airways get smaller. In a patient with uncontrolled asthma however, the sides of the airways typically become enlarged or inflamed (CDC, 2005). During an acute attack, the muscles or bronchiols surrounding the airways constrict, thus reducing the amount of air a person can pass in and out of their lungs (CDC, 2005). Once this constriction begins, mucus starts forming in the airways, causing even greater constriction and distress. Typical symptoms associated with an asthma attack include wheezing, chest pain and tightness, coughing and difficulty breathing (CDC, 2005). No one is immune from asthma. Children, adults and the elderly are all at risk. Some people are more at risk than others including people who smoke, those with seasonal allergies and anyone with recurring acute respiratory infections (CDC, 2005). Signs of asthma include physical qualities of the disease a patient, family member or doctor can easily identify such as dyspnea (trouble breathing) (Polk, 7). Symptoms include complaints generally associated with the condition, and may include headaches or chest pain, skin flushing and itching (Polk, 8). Dyspnea results from multiple conditions other than asthma including infections, allergies, foreign bodies present in the airway and associated factors (Polk, 8). It is important a clinician differentiate between asthma and other causes of the disease. Basis Contemporary Treatments For Managing Asthma The National Asthma Education and Prevention Panel consistently work with doctors to develop contemporary treatments to manage asthma (Moonie, et. al, 2005). Many of these treatments are based on empirical research that supports reduction of patients symptoms and prevention of chronic attacks. The goal of contemporary asthma care and treatment includes â€Å"control of asthma and good quality of life for asthmatic patients† (Gaga, et. al, 80). The basis for much of contemporary care is empirical based research, though trends are changing in an attempt to encourage doctors to improve patient awareness and education. Many asthma drugs historically are administered through inhalation. Inhalers are often prescribed â€Å"on an empirical basis rather than on evidence based awareness: (Virchow, 24). Much of the asthma management guidelines currently available offer â€Å"non-specific advice regarding inhaler choice† (Virchow, 24). As such it is important that GP work with patients to decide what the ideal inhaler is for all patients involved. The ideal inhaler according to Virchow (2005) is one that (1) is breath activated, â€Å"releasing medication only when all prerequisites for successful inhalation are met, (2) has a low intrinsic airflow resistance so children and elderly patients may use it and (3) is one that provides a flow-independent deposition of drugs in the lungs as well as feedback that reassures patients whether the drugs has been inhaled properly (24). Newman (2005) suggests the pressured metered-doze inhaler or pMDI delivers asthma medications in a reliable â€Å"multi-dose presentation† (1177). Key components of this devices help determine the amount of drug delivered to the patient. The researcher further suggests that pMDIs can be developed that are breath actuated and coordinated with â€Å"spray-velocity modifiers† to help patients unable to use â€Å"conventional press and breathe pMDI’s correctly† (Newman, 1177). Modern or contemporary pMDI’s according to Newman should also contain non-ozone depleting propellants, a sentiment confirmed by Virchow (2005) as well. Patients with severe refractory asthma require more comprehensive treatment. High-doses of inhaled corticosteroids are often insufficient for treating this form of asthma. Most require contemporary treatments including oral corticosteroid administration and use of immunosuppressants (Sano, Adachi, Kiuchi Miyamoto, 2005). Chronic use of these drugs however present a high risk for adverse side effects. A study conducted by Sano, et. al (2005) suggests that nebulized sodium cromoglycate â€Å"is expected to be a new second-line therapeutic option in severe asthma† (1). Gaga, et. al (2005) suggests that many doctors are not achieving good quality of life and control of asthma for patients. Their study of treatment outcomes for asthmatic patients in specialized care suggests that contemporary treatments should include more patient education combined with increased use of LABAs (Long-acting beta2-agonists) and leukotriene antagonists to help prevent bronchoconstriction and improve quality of life for patients. Despite multiple contemporary treatment choices, managing acute severe asthma attacks still present a tremendous health challenge to health care professionals (Barnard, 2005). Contemporary guidelines for treating acute emergency attacks currently include treatment with oxygen and inhaled beta 2 agonists, which can be administered continuously to help preserve life in acute patients (Barnard, 532). Patients discharged after such treatment should also engage in review of current medications and consider â€Å"a short course of oral steroids, a written asthma action plan and detailed advice about deterioration that may occur within 48 hours† (Barnard, 533). Butz et. al, (2005) are among a growing body of contemporary researchers that suggests that self management and patient education are critical success factors for treating patients with asthma in modern society. Their studies suggested home based educational programs that focus on accurate symptom identification and demonstration of â€Å"asthma medication delivery services† may improve patient quality of life and assist children with asthma and asthma like conditions (Butz, et. al, 190). Delaronde, Peruccio Bauer (2005) find that â€Å"individualized telephonic case management† from registered nurses specifically trained in contemporary asthma treatment may improve asthma medication use and subsequent quality of life for patients with asthma (361). This research correlates with a growing body of evidence supporting patient education and direct support as practical contemporary treatment practices. The basis for much of contemporary treatment lies in the gold standards or clinical practice guidelines outlined by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program’s Expert Panel (CDC, 2005). These standards offer patients and health care practitioners specific guidelines for recognizing, diagnosis, treating and providing ongoing care to asthmatic patients. Because asthma is a difficult disease to diagnose, clinicians should utilize multiple diagnostic tools to determine whether airflow obstruction in patients results from asthma or other underlying conditions. Doctors should also acquire a comprehensive medical and family history and attempt to quantify the severity of a person’s condition (CDC, 2005). Other contemporary diagnostic criteria helpful for assessing a patients condition include lung function tests (also referred to as spirometry) (CDC, 2005). Because there is no cure for asthma at this time doctors must work to improve the quality of life for patients presenting with asthma as effectively treat acute attacks. Doctors also work with patients to prevent attacks and recurrent episodes. Not one treatment modality works for all people because every case of asthma is unique. Because of this doctors often use various medications including injections, oral medications, vapors and inhalers. Use of inhalers to expand airflow is currently one of the most common and effective long-term treatment choices for patients with asthma. Contemporary long lasting medical treatments should include use of corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways. Most patients will inhale these medicines or take them orally. Long acting beta2-agonists are also identified as effective long-term treatments for patients with asthma. While inhalers, nebulizers and other medications all serve the asthmatic population, education should also form the foundation for modern treatment practices. Multiple researchers have concluded that patient education is effective for improving the quality of life in patients with asthma. Education also ensures that patients understand how to use their medications and do use them to prevent acute attacks. Education may be particularly beneficial for children by helping them adopt healthy behaviors early on that can help control their condition. Asthma is a complex disease involving structural and physiological components. Patients with asthma face a life long and often debilitating condition that under severe circumstances may result in increased morbidity. Fortunately there are many treatments currently available that effectively manage this condition. Contemporary management and treatment of asthma is based on empirical research that suggests multiple forms of medication for preventing and treating acute asthma attacks. The most common forms of treatment include corticosteroid administration through inhalers or oral forms. There are other equally effective medical treatments however that may work well for patients depending on the severity of their illness. No two patients are alike with respect to the condition thus treatment must be tailored to the individual. New research suggests that doctors and patients focus on prevention and education to help improve patients quality of life and experience of their disease (West, 1990). Education that starts early, as when patients are children, is likely to be more effective than education that starts years after an individual has attempted to manage their disease using other methods. Adequate evidence suggests that the manner of delivery for education does not impact a patients success rate. Thus information may be distributed in person, in the home or even over the telephone if necessary. The currently body of literature available suggest that education in the classroom may also be an important avenue for teaching prevention and treatment in the future (West, 1990). It is important that researchers and doctors continue exploring new avenues for treating and preventing this insidious disease. How to cite Pathology and Contemporary Treatment Alternatives, Papers