Role of Genetic Variants in Autophagy Related Gene 7 Atg 7

Abstract

Asthma Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways estimated to affect 300 million individuals worldwide. People of all ages in countries throughout the world are affected by this chronic airway disorder that can place severe limits on daily life and is sometimes fatal. Asthma attacks all age groups but mostly starts in the childhood and the frequency and severity of the recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing vary from person to person. This condition is due to the 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 episode, the lining of the passages swell causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs. The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are exposure to indoor allergens and a family history of asthma or allergy. Exposure to tobacco smoke and exposure to chemical irritants in the workplace are additional risk factors. Climatic changes such as a thunderstorm which breaks the pollen grains, releasing the starch granules can also trigger attacks.