Asthma Issues
Asthma Screening Program Helps Adults and Children with Breathing Problems
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Apr 15, 2009 - 1:57:58 PM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., – Adults and children with symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath can find out if they are at risk for asthma through the 13th annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. The program, sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), has screened an estimated 115,000 people and referred more than half for further diagnosis.

Allergists, who are asthma specialists, will conduct the free screenings at more than 200 locations across the country during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May.

“Many people don’t realize their breathing problems might be caused by asthma and simply put up with their symptoms which could include a cough at night, colds that constantly go to the chest, shortness of breath during exercise or full-blown asthma attacks,” said allergist John Winder, M.D., chair of the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. “Asthma is a serious disease and the screening program gives patients a chance to meet with an allergist who can help them identify the source of their suffering and direct them to the next steps for treatment.”

More than 22 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, have asthma. The disease is responsible for almost 4,000 deaths a year. Although the exact cause of asthma 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.

Once asthma is diagnosed, experts recommend aggressive treatment with allergen avoidance and medication. Because inflammation of the lungs and airways plays a central role in the development of asthma, the most effective medications are those that reduce inflammation.

Studies show inhaled corticosteroids are the most powerful and effective anti-inflammatory medications for asthma, improving control of the disease and helping lungs function normally.

Allergists, working with community physicians and allied health professionals, conduct the free asthma screenings at shopping malls, civic centers, health fairs and other accessible locations throughout the country. In addition to helping find those at risk for asthma, the screenings also offer people already diagnosed with the disease the chance to see if their condition is under control.

“Anyone with asthma should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night,” said Dr. Winder. “No one should accept anything less. If you think you might have asthma or just want to make sure you have good control of the disease, attend a free screening and find relief.”

During a screening, adults complete a 20-question Life Quality (LQ) Test developed by ACAAI for the program. Children under age 15 take a special test called the Kids’ Asthma Check that allows them to answer questions themselves about any breathing problems. Another version of the Check is available for parents of children up to 8 years of age to complete on their child’s behalf.

Participants also take a lung function test that involves blowing into a tube, then meet with an allergist to determine if they should seek a thorough examination and diagnosis. For a list of asthma screening locations and dates or to take online versions of the LQ Test and Kids’ Asthma Check, visit the ACAAI Web site at www.allergyandasthmarelief.org.

Co-sponsoring the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program are two patient support organizations: the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics.

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