April is Asthma Awareness Month!

Spring is here and pollen is in the air. Asthma is a disease that makes it difficult for people to breathe. Approximately 20 million people in the United States have asthma. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that asthma is one of the most chronic childhood illness affecting 9 million children. 

An asthma attack occurs when it is hard to get air into and out of the lungs, the chest feels tight, and coughing and wheezing occur in the effort to breathe. The cause of asthma is unknown. But once you have asthma, it doesn’t go away.  It can be managed with medication. Some asthma triggers include: cigarette smoke, air pollution, or dust. Asthma triggers are different for each person. Knowing your triggers can help you successfully keep your asthma under control.  Don't let asthma take you breath away! Speak to a doctor about developing an action plan to control asthma.  

Visit:  www.cdc.gov/asthma to learn more about treatment and medication for asthma.