By Susan Dunlop and Sue Olmstead
Guest Viewpoint
The Ithaca Journal
Published
May 8, 2009
Recent data identifies 2,162 children (18 years old and younger) with asthma in Tompkins County, according to the New York State Department of Health. Asthma now affects approximately 1.5 million adults and children in New York state. It is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among children under 15 years of age in the United States and accounts for 13 million school days missed each year.
Asthma costs us in many ways: lost days at work, school absences, office visits, medications, emergency care and sometimes hospitalization. Nationally, annual expenditures related to asthma are estimated at nearly $20 billion a year, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases. It is characterized by recurrent breathing problems and symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Symptoms vary over time and also from individual to individual. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Medical experts say that with proper treatment, most people will achieve good control of their disease. A person who has good asthma control should be able to participate fully in life.
An important part of asthma management is identification and avoidance of triggers. Factors that can contribute to airway inflammation include: tobacco smoke and other environmental factors, allergens, respiratory illness and exercise. Many triggers can simply be avoided. Allergies can often be controlled. To decrease illness, pro-active measures to take include yearly flu shots, frequent hand washing, good nutrition and adequate rest.
Individuals with asthma should work with their health care provider to develop a plan of care. He or she will determine the appropriate medications to control the disease. They will provide instructions related to all parts of an asthma regime. It is estimated that with effective asthma interventions and education the total savings just for New York's children would be $550,000.
Learn more about asthma at the Tompkins County Health Department Web site www.tompkinsco. org/health/asthma. In addition to asthma information, you will find resources and tools to help with asthma management.
The Tompkins County Asthma Action Committee is working toward greater asthma awareness and improved asthma management for people of all ages. Meetings are on the first Tuesday of every month at the Tompkins County Health Department. Any community member with an interest in asthma is welcome.
Although the incidence of asthma is rising, great progress has been made in diagnosing and treating this condition. In this month recognizing asthma awareness, let us focus on the goal of good asthma management.
Link to article on The Ithaca Journal Website
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