By: DairyFreeGina
The month of May is all about asthma and allergy awareness. This year, World Asthma Day is May7th. While there is much attention given to asthma and allergies during May, living with asthma happens daily for those diagnosed with this serious lung condition.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes airways to become inflamed and hard to breath. The inside walls of airways become sore, swollen and sensitive. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with proper prevention of asthma attacks and treatment.
People with asthma have inflamed airways and are sensitive to things that don’t normally bother others . These triggers can include: smoking, air pollution, pollen , chemicals, dust, pet dander, strong fumes/odors , exercise, weather. In severe asthma attacks airways can close so much that vital organs don’t get enough oxygen. And yes, death can happen from a severe asthma attack.
The Cost of Asthma
More than 27 million Americans have asthma. Asthma is the leading cause of hospitalization of children. Each year, asthma accounts for 1.7 million emergency department visits, and 13.8 million missed school days. Asthma costs the U.S. economy more than $80 billion annually in medical expenses, missed work and school days and deaths, according to new research published online in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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How Can an Asthma Attack be Prevented?
There’s no cure for asthma, but you can manage the disease by avoiding triggers and taking medications to prevent symptoms.
Follow the treatment plan set up by your doctor. Learn your triggers and avoid them. Take allergy and asthma meds as prescribed. Most people live normal lives with asthma when it is properly managed and can exercise and be athletic. I am a runner and run competitively despite having asthma. When controlled properly, most people can live a normal life, but control is the key. So follow your asthma action plan and always be asthma aware .
For more asthma information , check out the Allergy & Asthma Network by here
Do you have asthma? What are you challenges dealing with asthma? What tips do you have for those newly diagnosed with asthma? Share in the Comments section.
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If you would like to publish this article contact Gina at dairyfreegina@hotmail.com
DairyFreeGina is allergic to milk and lamb, and eats vegan and gluten free. Gina is a life long fitness enthusiast, runner and dancer who is passionate about talking food, nutrition, health and exercise. Gina loves cats big and small, calls Disney World her 2nd home– and often blogs on these topics too
