Welcome to The Basics of Asthma Management

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 26 million Americans have asthma, which is 8.3 percent of adults and 8.3 percent of children. More than 50 million Americans have various types of allergies each year, including indoor/outdoor, food and drug, latex, and insect allergies. Inhaling specific substances called allergens can cause asthma and allergy symptoms. It is important to know what triggers your symptoms so you can learn how to limit your exposure to them. 

This program is based on Goals for Asthma Control by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Goals include:

• Preventing chronic and troublesome symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath.
• Preventing asthma attacks (flare-ups) that could result in an emergency room visit or hospital stay.
• Maintaining normal activity level and sleep through the night.
• Maintaining good lung function.
• Reducing the need for quick-relief medicines (no more than two days a week).
• Providing medication which has minimal or no side-effects.

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Medical Disclaimer
The Basics of Asthma Management is designed for people who have symptoms of asthma but have not been diagnosed, have recently been diagnosed, or have asthma that is well controlled. Parents who have children with asthma will also find helpful information. This program will help you understand asthma and teach you basic skills for managing and controlling your asthma, however, it is not a substitute for medical care. Work with your doctor to determine the best care for you and/or your condition.   

Source and Copyright Information
The program and corresponding materials are copyright protected and may not be resold, reproduced or altered in any manner without express written consent from the authors. Handouts may be downloaded and used for educational purposes only.