It's summertime, and the living is hardly easy for asthma sufferers in metro Atlanta. Atlanta ranks fourth this year among worst cities for asthma sufferers, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a nonprofit that ranks asthma capitals annually based on factors such as higher-than-average pollen levels, air pollution and lack of smoke-free laws.
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Asthma facts
> Asthma is characterized by inflammation in the air passages resulting in the temporary narrowing of the airways that transport air from the nose and mouth to the lungs.
> Symptoms are caused by allergens or irritants that are inhaled into the lungs, resulting in inflamed, clogged or constricted airways. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.
> There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed through treatment.
> Asthma has a genetic component. If only one parent has asthma, chances are 1 in 3 that each child will have asthma. If both parents have asthma, there's a 70 percent chance that their children will have asthma.
> Triggers include smoke (from cigarettes, pipes, cigars, fireplaces, grills and burning wood), colds and flu, exercise, weather (rain, wind, low temperatures or sudden weather changes), pets, roaches and other pests, strong odors, mold, dust mites and air pollution.
Source: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
How asthma is diagnosed
There is no single test to diagnose asthma, so your doctor will use a combination of medical history, patient interview and physical exam to make a determination. Be specific and detailed when answering the following:
> Is there a family history of allergy and/or asthma?
> What are the symptoms and when did you first notice them?
> When do they occur? What causes the symptoms or makes them worse (smoke, exercise, allergens, humidity, crying/laughing, etc.)? Is there any pattern to them?
> What are the frequency and severity of the symptoms? Do they limit or interfere with daily activities? Limit physical activity? Disrupt sleep?
> Have you needed to go to the emergency room or hospital because of symptoms?
> How are the symptoms managed?
Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Treating the symptoms
Prescription medications vary in price based on insurance coverage.
> Bronchodilators --- rescue medication that relaxes the bronchial tubes and allows for easier breathing (Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA)
> Inhaled steroids (powders and puffers) --- controller medication that reduces inflammation (Flovent HFA, Qvar HFA, Pulmicort, Asmanex)
> Oral asthma controllers (tablets) --- reduce inflammation (Singulair, Zyflo)
> Anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator --- combination medication that opens airways and reduces inflammation (Advair, Symbicort)
> Steroid medication --- used for severe asthma symptoms (Prednisone)
> Immunotherapy (allergy shots) --- treats allergic asthma conditions
> Injection therapy --- blocks the allergic antibody (Xolair)
> Over-the-counter medications --- dilate the bronchial tubes (opens the airways), but they are potentially dangerous and are typically not recommended for asthma treatment (Primatene, Bronkaid)
Source: Dr. Kevin Schaffer, Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic
Tips to protect yourself --- and others
The American Lung Association encourages all Americans to get involved in the fight for cleaner, healthier air:
> Drive less, drive smart. Walk, bike or car pool. Combine trips and use buses, subways, light-rail systems, commuter trains or other alternatives to driving. Fill up your gas tank after dark. Gasoline emissions evaporate as you fill up your gas tank and contribute to the formation of ozone, a component of smog. Filling up after dark helps to keep the sun from turning those gases into air pollution.
> Plan your day. Check air quality levels and air pollution forecasts in your area. Sources include radio and TV weather reports, newspapers and online at www.epa.gov/airnow.
> Help out at home. Don't burn wood or trash. Burning firewood and trash are among the major sources of particle pollution in many parts of the country. If you must use a fireplace or stove for heat, convert your wood stoves to natural gas, which produces far fewer emissions. Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment rather than gasoline-powered.
> Limit outdoor exercise. Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. Walk indoors in a shopping mall or gym or use an exercise machine. Always avoid exercising near high traffic areas. Limit the amount of time your child spends playing outdoors if the air quality is unhealthy.
Source: American Lung Association
Every day in America:
40,000 people miss school or work because of asthma.
30,000 people have an asthma attack.
5,000 people visit the emergency room because of asthma.
11 people die from asthma.
Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Copyright 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution