May is Asthma Awareness Month

Asthma is a lung disease that can be life threatening. Asthma causes breathing problems in which the airways in the lungs become blocked causing the lungs to get less air than normal. Symptoms of an “asthma attack” can be difficulty with breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing and wheezing. Asthma can develop quickly and it can range from being a mild discomfort to a life threatening attack if breathing stops completely. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be prevented and controlled with proper care.

Asthma is a growing health concern in New York State and in the United States. Asthma caused an average of 301 deaths per year in New York during 2003-2005, including 45 deaths in children 0-14 years of age.

This disease affects Americans of all ages, races and ethnic groups, but low-income and minority populations experience higher rates of hospital admissions and emergency room visits due to asthma. During 2004-2006, in Cayuga County, 276 residents were discharged from the hospital after being admitted because of an asthma episode.

Children with asthma tend to miss more school than children who do not have asthma. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism. Parents frequently miss days from work as a result if their child’s asthma. Asthma not only impacts the life of the individual with the disease, but also the lives of family members and friends.

Asthma triggers affect people differently, but studies show if they are reduced or eliminated, symptoms and the need for medications are reduced and lung function is improved. Certain triggers can cause a person to experience an asthma attack. Some common triggers are:

• Upper respiratory viral infections
• House dust mites
• Cockroach debris
• Animal dander
• Mold
• Pollen
• Cold air
• Exercise
• Stress
• Tobacco smoke
• Indoor/outdoor pollutants

Making yourself aware of what your triggers are will help to prevent an attack from occurring. People who smoke should be considerate of others with asthma as second hand smoke is a common trigger for people with asthma. Parents who smoke and have young children should not be smoking in the home or vehicle.  

People with asthma can live a normal and active life. Using the correct medications, taking the medications properly and learning how to manage asthma as a chronic disease can reduce both the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms.