Your Health Now: Understanding asthma

Author: wink news
Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Are you experiencing wheezing, chest pains, or coughing? If so, you could have asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows your airways. If you have it, it’s important to know how to treat it and what the best treatment option is for you.

Things to know about asthma:
– Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases, including 26 million Americans. 7 million of which, are children.
– Asthma is on the rise, doubling in cases between 2001-2009.
– Asthma related costs are approximately $60 billion per year.
– The World Health Organization says 50% of asthmatics have a genetic component.
– It most commonly begins between 4 and 40 years of age.
– Asthma is the reason for 2 million ER and hospital visits every year.
– Greater than 75% of asthma patients have an allergic component.
– There are various types of asthma.

Asthma symptoms:
Cough
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Wheezing

Asthma triggers:
Allergies (indoor and outdoor)
Drugs
Airway irritants (smoke, chemicals),
Colds/URI
Exercise
Stress
Weather conditions

An evaluation by an Allergy/Immunology Specialist can help define your type of asthma and treatment for better outcomes.

For appointments or information, call 239-481-4111.

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