Are you, or someone you know, one of the more than 15 million Americans with asthma? According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, these 15 million sufferers translate into 4 out of 5 Americans being affected by asthma, through family, friends, and co-workers!

Below is some basic information, to get you started in understanding this condition.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease, characterized by spasms, or constriction of the bronchial tubes, and secretion of thick mucus, that is activated by irritants, referred to as triggers. The result of this process is difficulty breathing.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath, perhaps only with exercise
• Feeling a tightness in the chest
• Coughing, which may occur only at night

Who is at risk?

Children, as well as adults, are affected. Asthma is the most common pediatric chronic illness. The American Lung Association states that about one third of asthma sufferers are under the age of 18. Allergies are significant triggers for asthma symptoms: 80% of children and 50% of adults with asthma also have allergies.

What are the most common triggers for asthma symptoms?

A trigger is something that causes an individual to begin to experience asthma symptoms. The most common are:

• Allergens, such as dust mites and cockroaches, mold, and pollen
• Weather
• Exercise
• Airborne irritants such as chemical fumes, and tobacco and wood stove smoke
• Respiratory infections
• Emotions, such as laughing and crying, and stress

Have you been properly diagnosed?

As with any disease, the proper diagnosis of asthma is key to its treatment, prevention, and control. If allergies seem to play a role, as is the case for the majority of asthmatics, evaluation by an allergy/asthma specialist can be particularly beneficial. Together, you and your physician can work to make sure your asthma is under control.

Is there a family connection with asthma?

Research in both the United States and Europe reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine indicates the strong role heredity plays in asthma. Families with one asthmatic parent were three times as likely and families with two asthmatic parents were six times as likely to have a child with asthma.

Some interesting facts about asthma

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• In 1994, there were about 14.6 million Americans with asthma. In 1998, it was estimated that about 17 million suffered from the disease.
• The three states with the highest number of persons with asthma are California, New York, and Texas.
• Asthma is on the top ten list of causes for hospitalizations.
• From 1980 to 1994 there was a 160% increase in the number of reported cases of asthma in children from birth to 5 years old.