Identify Three Theoretical Explanations for Asthma, Including Some Findings That

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The Answer is A. Scientists do not yet understand the cause of asthma.
B. Some speculate that asthma may really be multiple diseases with common symptoms but different pathologies.
C. Experts believed until recently that asthma was an allergic reaction to substances in the environment.
D. Newer research implicates more complex immune system reactions.
1. The diathesis-stress model views asthma as an immune system response caused by a combination of vulnerability and exposure to a substance not usually causing such a response.
2. The hygiene hypothesis views asthma as caused by an exaggerated inflammatory response of the immune system, which modern hygiene has left underprepared to cope with microbes by not allowing babies and children enough exposure to these.
a. A refinement of this hypothesis includes both genetic vulnerability and early exposure to environmental substances.
b. The hygiene hypothesis is supported by higher asthma rates in developed countries with hygienic environments, e.g. the USA, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand.
c. The hygiene hypothesis is not supported by higher asthma risks and rates in the USA's inner-city areas, where air pollution is higher.
d. African Americans are more vulnerable to asthma than other Americans.
E. Other known risk factors for asthma:
1. Obesity
2. Sedentary lifestyle
3. Depression

Identify Three Theoretical Explanations for Asthma, Including Some Findings That

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