Discussion Forum

Asthma is a pathophysiological condition associated with eosinophilia and heightened inflammatory reactions, epithelial desquamation, hyper responsiveness, recurring episodes of reversible broncho-constriction, and mucus hyper secretion from the respiratory organs. Asthma interludes can be triggered by a variety of factors most notably allergens, infectious agents, pollutants, and nonspecific stimuli such as exercise, nutritional factors and emotional stress. Certain genes and their polymorphism may also have effects in the initiation and progression of asthma.

Thickening of the basement membrane zone (BMZ) is a characteristic feature of airway remodeling in the lungs of asthmatics. However the significance of a thickened BMZ in the pathology of the asthmatic airway is not known. In this review we show that the columnar epithelium is linked to the reticular BMZ through the supracellular anchoring network. We discuss the evidence that changes in the width of the BMZ in control airways are part of a supracellular anchoring mechanism for increasing the strength of attachment between the airway epithelium and the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Hi All,

I work with the Clean Air for Kids program at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in the State of Washington. The majority of our work is done utilizing home visits and our database is not quite up to snuff. We are starting to shop around for other databases and thought we would check and see what other programs are using. If you are willing, it would be helpful if you could share: what database you are using, how much it cost, what fields you can fill in, can it be used on a laptop/tablet, what are the pros and cons.

Many thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I am working with the buildings department to draft a city ordinance on IAQ policy regarding IPM, green cleaning and toxics use reduction and other IAQ issues. Can you please share with me any language you might have on state or local laws about IAQ? 

This would be a great win to draft an ordinance for Asthma Awareness Month!!

Thanks!

Sarita Hudson

pioneervalleyasthmacoalition@gmail.com

413 794 7600

Hello Everyone,

I am trying to gather asthma handouts to give out in a home setting as well as in a school setting.  I specifically am looking for handouts about second hand smoke as an asthma trigger, basics of asthma, and home triggers.  Any help would be appreciated!  

Thanks!

Hello, everyone,

Does anyone have a Fragrance Free School Policy that they have implemented?  If so, can you describe the process involved in getting the policy implemented and any barriers you faced?

Thanks so much!

Sarita hudson

The August 2014 issue of the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved is now available in print and online!