May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. It’s a great time to help raise awareness for the 24.5 million people in the U.S. who have asthma and the 50 million people who experience allergies. If you or someone you know has asthma or allergies, please forward, post, and share. Though we can’t cure asthma and allergies, we can take steps to control the disease and prevent deaths. [1]
Call for your appointment today:
Dr. Myrelle Castro
(845) 476-3016
ABOUT ASTHMA
Asthma is a disease that causes swelling and inflammation of your airway, which in turn can make it difficult to breath. People with asthma describe symptoms of wheezing or coughing, a tight feeling in their chests, and trouble breathing.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) indicates that “1 in 13 people have asthma.” And children are more likely to have asthma than adults—it’s the number one reason kids miss school. [2]
KNOW YOUR ASTHMA TRIGGERS
Medication can help control your asthma symptoms, but you should also know what triggers your asthma attacks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines some of the more common triggers:
- Tobacco smoke
- Dust mites
- Outdoor air pollution
- Cockroach allergen
- Pets
- Mold
- Smoke from burning wood or grass [3]
ABOUT ALLERGIES
For many of us, springtime is allergy season. Like asthma, allergies do not have a cure, but medication and knowing your triggers can help control allergy symptoms. (Pollen and grasses are often triggers.) Where we live is also a factor. Several areas across our state fall into the top 25 “Most Challenging Places to Live With Spring Allergies.” [4]
RESOURCES
- http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month.aspx
- http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-facts.aspx
- https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm#
- http://www.aafa.org/media/AAFA-2018-Spring-Allergy-Capitals-Report.pdf