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, making breathing
more difficult. These problems are caused by an over-sensitivity of
the lungs’ airways, which react to certain triggers and become
inflamed and clogged.
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Asthma varies from one person to the next. Symptoms range from mild
& moderate to severe & even life threatening. The attacks may
come occasionally or often. Asthma symptoms 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.
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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 attacks. In addition, people can learn to identify and
avoid the things that can trigger an attack. Through education, medication
and other asthma management strategies, Asthma sufferers can gain control
of the disease and live an active life.
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| The Respiratory Disease Society offers an annual Asthma workshop. In
2008, 10 pharmaceutical companies and 5 area physicians were on hand to
answer questions and provide support.
Asthma testing is also offered to local student athletes – chances
are, if you have a child in Junior or Varsity sports, you received a
letter about it. The purpose of this program is to create awareness
of Asthma in increased proportion in the athletic community. The actual
screening process is a simple, painless and confidential procedure completely
voluntary. During the screening, medical personnel were present, including
a physician to monitor and record data.
In conjunction with the Respiratory Disease Society, Dr. George Zlupko
of Altoona Lung Specialists, conducted several screenings to detect
exercise induced Asthma. Over 1,200 student athletes were tested in
Altoona, Hollidaysburg and Tyrone School Districts. The test results
will help the training team by providing them with valuable information
to help them monitor and identify student athletes that are having problems
with physical exertion. These screenings will help athletes compete
in a safe manner and help coaches and school systems understand the
nature and importance of asthma in the student athlete. We hope to expand
this program to other school districts; if you would like to see this
program in your school district, contact our office.
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