MOUNT VERNON — May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, as proclaimed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
The foundation states, “Our theme, ‘for life without limits,’ is a constant reminder that, today, nothing stands in the way to having a full and active life. With proper diagnosis, prevention and treatment, there are no limits to what people with asthma and allergies can do. This theme is a promise to future generations that we will continue to search for cures to eliminate asthma and allergies and the burden they currently cause millions of Americans.”
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that affects 20 million people in the United States. During an asthma attack, the airways become blocked or narrowed which causes severe breathing difficulties.
There are two types of asthma: Allergic (extrinsic) asthma, triggered by an allergic reaction, and non-allergic (intrinsic), which does not involve the immune system and is not triggered by an allergy.
Both types exhibit similar symptoms — coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, tightness in the chest — but non-allergic asthma can be triggered by cold or dry air, stress, exercise, anxiety, hyperventilation and smoke and other irritants.
JoAnn Bedore, nurse program coordinator at the Regional Asthma Center at Akron Children’s Hospital, spoke about her work with asthma sufferers.
“I think there’s some good news, that the number of people dying from asthma is decreasing over the past five years,” she said. “But it’s sad that anyone actually does still die from asthma. I think asthma education is a big thing, for the more confidence and control we can gain.
“Asthma is a disease that can be managed with proper care. It’s a chronic illness, but it’s very possible to keep it in proper control so adults and children can do the things they want to do.”
Bedore said asthma tends to run in families, and can develop at any age. Adults often develop asthma from occupational triggers; bakers, painters, carpet layers and insecticide applicators are examples of workers at risk of developing the disease.
“People who have asthma,” said Bedore, “have very sensitive airways, more so than other people. And every person’s treatment plan is different.”
Taking daily medication depends on whether the asthma is under control, whether the child misses school frequently and other factors of disease management.
“Asthma is the most chronic childhood illness and the most common reason for missing school,” said Bedore.
But, she said, if they are sleeping well, working and playing well, if it’s not affecting their quality of life, they can take medication as needed to treat their symptoms, instead of daily preventive doses.
Asthma sufferers can use a nebulizer, an air compressor that turns liquid medication into a mist to be inhaled. There are also inhalers, which some patients call “puffers,” delivery devices that contain quick reliever rescue medications that have been aerosolized, explained Bedore.
Asthma is no longer a life sentence of suffering, as it often was in the past.
“If you have asthma, expect a good outcome,” said Bedore. “If you are not able to do everything you want to do because of your asthma, visit your doctor or nurse practitioner. Do everything you can to live the life you want to live.”
More information is available at the Web sites of the American Lung Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
