April is Asthma Awareness Month

Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed causing breathing to be difficult. There are 2 types of asthma. Extrinsic asthma or allergic asthma is when someone has symptoms that are triggered by an allergic reaction. This is the most common form affecting ½ of the 20 million who suffer from asthma. Inhaling allergens like pet dander, pollen, dust mites or mold can trigger symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Intrinsic asthma or non-allergic asthma has the same symptoms as extrinsic asthma, but the symptoms are triggered by anxiety, stress, exercise, cold air, dry air, hypertension, smoke or a virus.

·        See your Doctor to develop an asthma action plan

·        Identify your triggers and avoid them as much as possible

·        Take medications as prescribed

·        Monitor asthma. Know if your asthma is getting worse or better

To learn about treatment for asthma visit: www.cdc.gov/asthma/.