|
Asthma SupportWhat is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes (attacks) when the air passages in their lungs become narrow and breathing becomes more difficult. These problems are caused by an over sensitivity of the lungs’ airways, which overreact to certain triggers and become inflamed and clogged. Asthma varies from one person to the next. Symptoms range from mild to moderate to severe and even life threatening. The episodes may come occasionally or often. Symptoms of asthma are a major cause of time lost from school and work as well as sleep disturbances. However, with proper treatment these symptoms can almost always be controlled.
Asthma cannot be cured. People
with asthma can use medicine prescribed by their doctor to prevent or
relieve their symptoms, and can learn how to manage episodes.
In addition, people can learn to identify and avoid the things
that can trigger an episode. People
with asthma, by education, medication, and other asthma management
strategies can gain control of the disease and live an active life. Over 300 people whose lives have been impacted by this chronic health problem attended our annual Asthma workshop. 10 pharmaceutical companies and 5 area physicians were on hand to answer questions and provide support.
|