Reported January 2009

ASTHMA OR ALLERGIES? Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. The inside walls of the airways become inflamed and thus narrower so less air can flow through the lung tissues. This in turn causes wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and trouble breathing. Asthma is linked to allergies, although not everyone with asthma has allergies. People with allergies tend to react more strongly to the presence of allergens such as animal dander, dust mites, pollen or mold, as well as cigarette smoke and air pollution.

HOW MRI WORKS: Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio frequency waves and a strong magnetic field instead of X-rays to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. These radio waves are directed at protons in hydrogen atoms -- one of the most abundant atoms in the human body because of the body's high water content. The waves "excite" the protons, and when they "relax," they emit strong radio signals. A computer can turn those signals into a high-contrast image showing differences in the water content and distribution in various bodily tissues.

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Eduard E. de Lange, M.D
Professor of Radiology
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Charlottesville, VA 22908
(434) 982 6030
delange@virginia.edu

Dr. Sudarshan Chamakuri
Medical Physicist
American Association of Physicists in Medicine
radiationtherapy@hotmail.com