May 10--Millions of children and adults have asthma, the most common form of lung disease.
The problem is medical experts know there is no one trigger or cause for asthma, said Dr. Todd Mahr, Gundersen Lutheran pediatric allergist and asthma specialist.
Asthma is characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli. Triggers range from viral infections to allergies, to irritating gases and particles in the air.
According to Mahr, each person reacts differently to the factors that may trigger asthma, including respiratory infections; colds; allergic reactions to allergens such as pollen, mold, animal dander, feathers, dust, food and cockroaches; exposure to cold air or sudden temperature change; and cigarette smoke.
But Mahr, a member of the leadership committee for the American Lung Association of Wisconsin, said more research is uncovering new potential causes.
He said he finds interesting some new research that suggests a decline in aspirin use, a lack of vitamin of D and exposure to household cleaners and sprays may play a role in asthma.
"It's not really a decline in aspirin use, but the increase in the use of acetaminophen because we stopped prescribing aspirin for children due to the increased risk of Reye's syndrome," Mahr said.
A European study of 20,000 6- to 7-year-olds found a 46 percent increase in asthma symptoms if they were given acetaminophen, the ingredient in Tylenol, in the first year of life, Mahr said. Children using higher doses of acetaminophen had three times the risk of asthma, he said
He said apparently the drug lowers levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which can protect against lung damage caused by oxidants.
"It was a large study, and it is intriguing, but we need at least another study," Mahr said. "But I might be more inclined to use ibuprofen rather than acetaminophen."
The problem with household cleaners is the spray mist can be inhaled and irritate the lung, increasing the risk of adult asthma, Mahr said. A major European study found cleaning products, especially glass cleaners and air fresheners, used four days a week doubled the risk of asthma, and once-a-week use raised the risk by 50 percent, he said.
Mahr suggests using liquid cleaners or pump sprays that don't generate a fine mist.
Boston researchers reviewed a study in Costa Rica that found a link between low vitamin D levels in mothers and childhood asthma, he said. The vitamin D deficiency, especially in pregnant women, may result in more allergies and asthma in their children, Mahr added.
Mahr said the popular hygiene hypothesis -- which suggests the Western world has less exposure to bacteria, viruses and parasites, changing the immune system and raising the risk for allergies -- doesn't alone explain why asthma has doubled in the United States since the 1980s.
"The hygiene hypothesis doesn't apply to everybody, and I think it is clear that asthma is a disease caused by many factors," Mahr said.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: American Lung Association's Lung Walk
WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday, May 17; registration at noon
WHERE: Myrick Park
TO REGISTER: Online at www.lungwalk.org, or call 1-800-586-4872
BACKGROUND: This is the first year the annual asthma walk has been changed to the lung walk to recognize other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Dr. Todd Mahr, the walk's coordinator, said COPD and lung cancer don't get the needed attention and recognition because of the stigma associated with the diseases.
MONEY RAISED: Much of the money raised comes back through programs in the La Crosse area.
LUNG DISEASE FACTS
--Every year almost 400,000 Americans die from lung disease -- an age-adjusted death rate of 135.5 per 100,000.
--Lung disease is the No. 3 killer (behind heart disease and cancer) in the United States, responsible for one in six deaths.
--The lung disease death rate has been continuously increasing while death rates due to other leading causes of death such as heart disease, cancer and stroke have been declining.
--Overall, various forms of lung disease and breathing problems constitute one of the leading causes of death in babies younger than 1, accounting for 20.2 percent of infant deaths in 2004.
--More than 35 million Americans have chronic lung diseases.
--An estimated 438,000 Americans die each year from diseases directly related to cigarette smoking, including heart and lung diseases.
--Millions of children and adults with lung disease in this country are exposed to levels of ozone and particle air pollution that could potentially make them sick.
--Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema and chronic bronchitis), the most common obstructive lung diseases, are associated with substantial health impairment and work disability.
--Lung disease costs the U.S. economy $95 billion in direct health care expenditures every year, plus indirect costs of $59 billion -- a total of $154 billion.
Source: American Lung Association
Five ways to reduce complications of lung disease
--Don't smoke and stay away from any smoke, which can contribute to complications.
--Comply with doctor's instructions and adhere to treatment. Only 40 percent comply with treatment recommendations. Non-compliance increases complications and risk for hospitalization, emergency room visits and deaths (from asthma attacks).
--Practice good hygiene to prevent colds, viruses and flu, which increase risk for complications.
--Practice good health habits including watching your weight, good nutrition, exercise and getting enough sleep. People with lung disease in better general health have less risk for infections.
--Watch out for respiratory tract irritants such as allergens, tree and grass pollen. Be aware of air quality alerts.
Source: Dr. Todd Mahr, Gundersen Lutheran pediatric allergy and asthma specialist
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