World Asthma Day

May is Asthma Awareness Month!

The Environmental Protection Agency has designated May as Asthma Awareness Month, with May 6th being World Asthma Day, an event sponsored by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Pollen and air pollution, particularly ground level ozone, are important outdoor triggers of asthma symptoms. In the United States, an estimated 22 million people, including 6.5 million children, have asthma. Each year, asthma attacks in the United States result in:

-two million emergency room visits;
-sixteen billion dollars worth of lost productivity and health care costs; and
-thirteen million missed school days.

Because pollen counts are at or nearing their peak in most areas, and because we're entering peak ground level ozone season, this is a great time to give viewers simple tips to help them reduce their exposure to potential asthma triggers. Dry and windy days are usually the worst for pollen counts, and changes in weather conditions, especially abrupt changes, can trigger asthma symptoms. Because most pollens are released in the morning, susceptible individuals should avoid outdoor activities between 5:00 and 10:00 AM. Outdoor activities should also be avoided when ground level ozone concentrations and particulate pollution levels are high. Encourage your viewers to stay informed by watching pollen and air quality reports from local media. Before heading outside, they can also visit www.airnow.gov to check on local air quality, and www.pollen.com to view local pollen counts. Remaining in a clean, indoor, air-conditioned environment where filters remove most pollutants and pollens is recommended for asthmatics on days when conditions are conducive to asthma symptoms.

For more information on Asthma Awareness Month, including a list of events near you, visit: http://www.epa.gov/asthma/awm/index.html.

Information on Asthma Awareness Day can be accessed at: http://www.ginasthma.com/WADIndex.asp

Additional information about allergies and asthma can be found at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: http://www.aaaai.org/