Physiology Of Asthma

Asthma is a condition of the respiratory which is caused by the tightness of the muscles in the airways, which therefore causes the individual with this condition to breathe out reduced amount of air which then leads to difficulty in inhaling and exhaling. According to the World Health Organization (2010), this condition is due to inflammation of the air passages in the lungs and affects the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the airways so they become easily irritated. In an attack, the lining of the passages swells causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs.
Barnes (1995) defines asthma as a "syndrome characterized by airflow obstruction that varies markedly, both spontaneously and with treatment".
The Clinical Research Centre (2016) states that "when the airways react, the muscles around them tighten". This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to your lungs. The diagram shown in Appendix 1 from the Clinical Research Centre indicates the difference between the normal airways and the abnormal airways with asthma. The normal airway shows wider space and is free from mucus. It also shows how the oxygen is flowing in freely in and out without any trouble. The main function of the trachea is to give out air to the lungs to and from. According to New Health Guide (2013) "Trachea, this is also called the windpipe. It filters the air you breathe and also branches to the bronchi. The trachea has an epithelium lining in it which has a role of producing the mucus that traps any unclean particles in the air you breath which prevents it from getting to the
HSE (2015), states that "COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health". For example, it can look at how risks can be eliminated which can be flour dust and grain dust. This can also be done by providing PPE and ensuring that is used at all times to prevent harm. Gloves, Aprons and face masks are essential when working in a bakery firm due to the dust circulating around the air. Dust can also be on the worker's clothes, face, and hands. PPE, therefore, minimises the risks of bakers' asthma. This can be ventilations and dust monitors to ensure that air is being circulated around the area to prevent dust from being inhaled; mixer covers so no flour dust rises in the air when