the effect of beverages on asthma attacks

7/30/2019 The Effect of Beverages on Asthma Attacks

1/8

The Effects of Warm Beverages on Asthma Attacks

Joshua Daniel

INT1 Task 3

Western Governors University


2/8

The Effects of Warm Beverages on Asthma Attacks

A. Project Plan/Problem Statement

The goal of this experiment is to test and document the effects of different recommended drinks

on asthma attacks. The researcher, Joshua Daniel, will be working with consensual subject

Timothy Smallwood in order to ascertain the effects of different drinks. Over the next several

days whenever the subject has an asthma attack he will be given one of the drinks (Coffee, Dark

Soda, and Caramel Tea) and be asked to document if they reduce the symptoms, how long it

takes, and other important factors.

This research is important because millions of people suffer from asthma and an attack can hit

any time. Its not uncommon to be caught without your inhaler, but these common drinks are

usually quick to get ahold over. Understanding what does and does not help is important for an

asthmatic to live a comfortable life.

A1. Literature Review

In a previous and much larger scale study researchers Welsh EJ, Bara A, Barley E, and Cates CJ

ran a trial that involved a total of 75 people. With six trials of 55 people comparing the effects of

a placebo with caffeine consumption they found that even at a low dose lung function improved.

(Caffeine for Asthma, http://davidklein.org/Caffeine.pdf)

In another related study researchers Blanc PD, Kuschner WG, Katz PP, Smith S, Yelin EH

Studied the prevalence and morbidity of asthma self-treatments with herbs, coffee, and tea.

Using a cross-sectional analysis of interview data for 601 adults with asthma they found that

self-treatment using herbal or caffeine alternatives was common and lead to an increase in

hospitalization.

(The Effects of . Among adults with Asthma. By J Allergy Clin Immunol.
http://davidklein.org/Caffeine.pdfhttp://davidklein.org/Caffeine.pdf


3/8

PROJECT TITLE IN ALL CAPS SHORTENED

3

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9438488)

A2a. Experimental Design Steps

The Subject for the experiment stayed with me over the course of several days during which time

he did not have his inhaler, which was only used once to function as a control. Whenever the

subject felt symptoms of asthma he would drink one of the beverages that we had chosen as

possible alternatives to using an inhaler. After drinking he would document how long it took for

symptoms to subside, how much he drank, and how these effects stacked against the control. The

researcher would then take and compare these documents and do further research.

A2b. Reasoning

This method of testing was chosen but it was the most direct method of testing available given

the resources we had. While a larger number of subjects would be preferred for the sake of

variance and the effects of these drinks on different people, this gave the researcher a chance to

work much more closely with a single individual without having his attention pulled elsewhere.

A2c. Sequence of Events:

The subject would immediately inform me of any onset of asthmatic symptoms and the beverage

would be quickly prepared (coffee being the first). After drinking enough to feel relief from the

symptoms he would speak one on one with the researcher and note specifics such as how much

he needed to drink, and how long it took for him to find relief.

A2d. ToolsA

A laptop for note taking and researchA

Coffee pot, non-diet caffeinated sodas, and teabags


4/8

A3. VariablesA

Describe what a dependent, independent and controlled variable is; The

independent variable is what is varied when conducting an experiment. The

dependent variable is what is measured. The controlled variables are constants

that must remain the same among all groups in the study.

Independent Variable: The different beverages that would be tested: Coffee, Dark Soda, and Tea

Dependent Variable: What is being measured is the effects on asthmatic symptoms and on what

scale different beverages relieve them.

Controlled Variables: The Subject, the Asthmatic Symptoms, and the Process of Relief

A4. Threat Reduction to Internal Validity

Given the small scale and straightforward nature of this experiment there are no foreseeable

threats to validity.

A5. Hypothesis:

We believe that all three counts of caffeinated beverages (Coffee, Dark Soda, and Tea) will have

positive effects on asthmatic symptoms, with the hot drinks (Coffee and Tea) having the greatest

and quickest effect. According to testimony from the subject caffeinated drinks have always had

the most positive effect, and warm drinks have always helped to a lesser extent. This matches up

with the study above about the effects of caffeine on asthmatics.

B. Process of Data CollectionB

The subject informs me when he is suffering asthmatic symptomsT

The appropriate beverage is prepared (Coffee first, dark soda second, tea third)T

Subject drinks the beverage and we discuss its effects, taking notes on how long it


5/8


5

took to take effect and how well it reduced symptoms.

B1. Appropriate Methods

The method the researcher will be using for this experiment is the most direct and appropriate

method for a simple and straight forward test. Well be able to ascertain the effect of the drinks

on his symptoms and document them quickly, allowing for the research to be completed in the

allotted time.

C. Results

Coffee: Asthmatic symptoms reduced significantly in less than one minute (nearly immediate);

took 1/3 of the cup before the subject was more comfortable and breathing better. Relief and

time was nearly as good as the inhaler, the greatest difference being preparation time.

Caffeinated Dark Soda: No relief until ten minute mark (which, at that point, could of just been

natural relief), subject finished the entire can of soda. Basically didnt help at all

Hot Caramel Tea: Took a few minutes (notably longer than the coffee) but subject felt

completely relieved of symptoms; claimed that it felt like the steam of the tea helped open him

up more than anything else.

Other notes: Regarding past experiences (outside of the experiment) subject Timothy Smallwood

claimed that non-caffeinated tea and clear sodas never helped his symptoms.


6/8

D. ConclusionD

Caffeinated coffee has the most significant and immediate results during an

asthmatic attack. Within moments of drinking the first 1/3rd of the cup subject felt

almost entirely relieved. Hot tea helped, but took a few minutes in order to do so

and subject remarked that the warmth and steam is what really felt like it worked

the most. Dark soda has nearly no effect and is not recommended.

D1. Confirmation of HypothesisD

Based on my finding during the experiment only two of the tested beverages had a

worthwhile effect, and of the two tested one stood out clearly advantageous over

the other. The researcher hereby reject my initial assumption that all three

caffeinated beverages would have a positive effect, and conclude that during an

Asthma attack it is far better to prepare a pot of coffee than the other two

alternatives.

D2. Experimental Design as Key Factor

Design was a key factor in this experiment because it was important to choose the right

beverages to test. The ultimate goal was to find drinks that had a positive effect in fighting

asthmatic effects and it would have been entirely possible to make poor choices. Another

important design decision was to have the subject stay with the researcher, so that they were only

a room away when an asthmatic attack hit and an immediate response could be given.


7/8


7

D3. ReplicationD

Being able to replicate and experiment and its results is important in determining

how valid the experiment is. If two experiments exist with the same parameters

but have wildly different outcomes, than something in one of the two experiments

is wrong, or there is a variable not yet considered.i

Replicating this experiment is rather easy. The researcher must have one or more

willing participants with Asthma and access to the alternative methods they wish

to test (in our case, specific beverages). Obviously an inhaler must be on site for

after and health concerns. The researcher must be keen to take down all

information immediately, take detailed notes, and speak with the subjects

immediately after each alternative is tested.

D3a. Evaluation of ValidityD

The method of this experiment is easy to replicate and test by any persons with

asthma. The effects in all three tests were clear and, according to Subject

testimony, followed previous findings of his own.


8/8

t

References

J Allergy Clin Immunol. Use of herbal products, coffee or black tea, and over-the-counter

medications as self-treatments among adults with asthma. On Pubmed.gov website accessed12/18/2012

Welsh EJ, Bara A, Barley E, Cates CJ Caffeine for Asthma on Davidklein.org accessed on

12/18/2012

the effect of beverages on asthma attacks

Documents