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May is Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
Understanding Asthma
Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 
(AAFA) has declared May to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.” It’s a peak season for people with asthma and allergies, and a perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, co-workers, and others about these diseases. Asthma affects more than 25 million Americans according to the AAFA.
It is a chronic disease that causes your airways to become inflamed, making it hard to breathe. There is no cure for asthma. The best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, take medications to prevent symptoms and prepare to treat asthma episodes if they occur.
It is a chronic disease that causes your airways to become inflamed, making it hard to breathe. There is no cure for asthma. The best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, take medications to prevent symptoms and prepare to treat asthma episodes if they occur.
Common Symptoms of Asthma Include:
- Coughing;
- Wheezing (a whistling, squeaky sound when you breath);
- Shortness of breath;
- Rapid breathing; and
- Chest tightness.
People with asthma usually see a doctor that specializes in allergies or the immune system. You and your doctor will come up with a plan to treat your asthma. It often involves a blend of medication and avoiding triggers.
The best way to prevent an asthma episode, or attack, is to follow your treatment plan. Learn your triggers and avoid them. Take your allergy and asthma medicines when you should and use your quick-acting medicine as soon as you start to notice symptoms. Many people live normal lives with asthma when properly managed. With a good treatment plan and guidance from your doctor, you can still do much of what you enjoy.
For further information about Asthma & Allergies, access the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America at: https://www.aafa.org/asthma.aspx
If you are in need of additional information, watch this video on understanding Asthma basics: https://youtube/CSpr9mvMtL