Monday, March 9, 2015

New Genes discovered for Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.

According to the article on Medical NewsToday, scientists at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom have discovered over 30 new genes that makes individuals have asthma and other allergies. The study took 10 years to complete. These researchers investigated factors that influenced the activity of genes rather than factors directly affecting genetic code. The genes that were identified by these researchers will help them make new potential drugs which will aid patients who are currently on other expensive therapies.  

I think that this is an excellent discovery in the medical field because in the United States, asthma affects more than 25 million people and about 7 million of these people are children. From my personal experience of working in a medical setting, I know how hard it is for people to afford asthma medications nowadays. This discovery will lead to cheaper, affordable medications for asthma patients.

No comments:

Post a Comment