More than 24 million Americans suffer from it. More than 7 million of those people are children. The disease is responsible for almost 4,000 deaths a year. It is asthma. And May is National Asthma Awareness Month. Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, many treatments are available to control this chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs.
An asthma attack is often triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander, certain drugs and food additives, respiratory infections and physical exertion such as exercise. When people exercise, they often breathe rapidly through their mouth instead of allowing the nose to warm and humidify the air. Cold, dry air that reaches the bronchial tubes can trigger asthma symptoms. These symptoms typically occur within five to 15 minutes after starting exercise and may occur several minutes after exercise has stopped. Between 80% to 90% of people with asthma suffer some degree of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), which also occurs in people without asthma, affecting about 10% of the general population.
“Asthma and EIB don’t have to slow anyone down or keep them from having an active lifestyle,” according to allergist John Winder, M.D., chair of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. “Both conditions can be controlled and the first step is diagnosis and treatment, including medication.”
During a screening, adults complete a 20-question Life Quality Test. Children under age 15 take a test called the Kids’ Asthma Check, which allows them to answer questions about any breathing problems. Another version of the Kids’ Asthma Check is available for parents of children up to 8 years of age to complete on their child’s behalf.
Participants take a lung-function test that involves blowing into a tube and meeting with an allergist to determine if they should seek a more thorough examination and diagnosis.
“Many people who cough at night or get short of breath when they exercise don’t think they are at risk for conditions like asthma or EIB,” said Winder. “But these symptoms shouldn’t be taken lightly and anyone who experiences breathing problems should attend a free screening to see an allergist who can help identify the source of their suffering.”
Free screenings will be held at the following locations:
- May 4, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Marina del Rey Medical Offices, 4650 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey
- May 14, 7 a.m. to noon, Palos Verdes Marathon, Terranea Resort, Fisherman’s Access parking lot, 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes
- May 14, 9 a.m. to noon, Duck-A-Thon, Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, 400 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
- May 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Walmart, 8230 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach
The national program offers free screenings at more than 200 locations across the country for people who experience symptoms. For a list of additional asthma screening locations and dates, or to take online versions of the tests, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.