American Lung Association Commemorates World Asthma Day by Offering Support and Resources
Washington, D.C. (May 4, 2010)—
The American Lung Association joins the Global Initiative for Asthma to commemorate World Asthma Day today in an effort to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. Here in the United States, more than 23 million people—including more than 7 million children are living with asthma.
"Far too many people are living with poorly managed asthma and may not be aware that a better quality of life is attainable," said Norman H. Edelman, MD, American Lung Association Chief Medical Officer.
Key warning signs that an adult or child's asthma may not be in proper control include:
- Needing to use of a quick relief inhaler more than two times per week.
- Waking at night with asthma symptoms more than two times per month.
- Having to refill a quick relief inhaler more than two times per year.
The American Lung Association advises anyone who has one or more of these warning signs to see their health care provider. Asthma symptoms can be controlled. People living with asthma can enjoy an active quality of life with the support of their health care provider.
"Reducing exposure to asthma triggers will help prevent breathing problems and is a key to managing asthma symptoms and improving an asthma sufferer's quality of life," said Dr. Edelman. "It is important for people to learn what triggers their asthma symptoms and to take steps to limit their exposure to such irritants."
Common asthma triggers include allergies to pollens, mold and even household pets. Air pollution including high ozone levels, traffic fumes and tobacco smoke can also trigger asthma attacks. Some people find that exercise or cold weather irritates their airways and brings on asthma symptoms.
"People with asthma should also work with their health care provider to develop a written Asthma Action Plan that will serve as a roadmap on how to manage and monitor their symptoms," explained Dr. Edelman. "Parents should share their child's asthma action plan with school officials, teachers and coaches to ensure proper action is taken should asthma symptoms worsen when away from home. A thorough asthma action plan will also include the doctor's advice on participating in sports and other physical activity."
The American Lung Association provides numerous of resources to those living with asthma including Breathe Well, Live Well which is the nation's only adult asthma education program. This evidence based program developed in partnership with the University of Alabama aims to reduce asthma caused illness and disability by improving knowledge and self-management skills.
Open Airways for Schools is a series of classes for school age children taught during the school day by a certified instructor. The program works to teach children that it is okay to have asthma while also providing the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively take control of their asthma. Studies have shown that children with asthma who participate in the Open Airways for Schools program experience a reduction in their symptoms and miss less school.
The American Lung Association also offers an Asthma Profiler Treatment Option Tool that helps patients understand their treatment choices and possible side effects. This online tool helps users determine questions to ask their health care provider and also provides personalized reports using the most current medical research papers.
The American Lung Association also sponsors the American Lung Association Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network, the nation's largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma treatment. This research provides useful information important to the direct care of people who have asthma.
Additional information resources for people with asthma can be found online at www.lung.org.
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About the American Lung Association in Florida
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in Florida is the leading organization in the state working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association in Florida, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungfla.org.
