Distinguished journalist, Harold Dow, often seen on 48 hours, died suddenly in August. The cause of death is being reported as adult-onset asthma. Dow
His career was stunning as depicted in this Photo Essay
It came as a shock to many and today it became a trending story on Twitter and then Google Trends. Many people want to know more about his death.
20 million affected
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation website "Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed causing breathing difficulty.
This chronic disease affects 20 million Americans. Asthma is commonly divided into two types: allergic (extrinsic) asthma and non-allergic (intrinsic) asthma. There is still much research that needs to be done to fully understand how to prevent, treat and cure asthma. But, with proper management, people can live healthy and active lives." Allergic Asthma
They also note: "Allergic (extrinsic) asthma is characterized by symptoms that are triggered by an allergic reaction. Allergic asthma is airway obstruction and inflammation that is partially reversible with medication.
"Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma, affecting over 50% of the 20 million asthma sufferers.Over 2.5 million children under age 18 suffer from allergic asthma. Many of the symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma are the same (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, and chest tightness).
"However, allergic asthma is triggered by inhaled allergens such as dust mite allergen, pet dander, pollen, mold, etc. resulting in asthma symptoms."
Copyright 2010 Rita Watson/ All Rights Reserved
Comments
As stated in the article, mold can cause asthma. I wonder if his death was related to exposure to mold and other indoor contaminants. For accurate information about the health effects of mold and indoor contaminants, go to http://truthaboutmold.info and http://achemmic.com.
I wonder if his asthma could be related to the exposure of dust during the attack on the world trade center. I know someone that began to have similar symptoms and has also died.
Thank you for comments, will explore this more fully. / Rita Watson
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