May is the time of year that the US Environmental Protection Agency highlights asthma. They remind us that asthma is a serious health problem affecting many.
Who Is Effected?
It has been reported that over 22 million people have asthma. Lower income families, African Americans and Hispanics experience a higher rate of asthma. Over 2 million asthma sufferers will have an emergency visit with a doctor or hospital. There could be as many as 12 million who will seek normal treatment. Asthma is considered to be one of the most common childhood chronic diseases. In fact, the third highest cause of illness in children under 15 in a hospital is from asthma. One out of ten children has asthma and 13 million miss school because of asthma.
What Does Asthma Cost?
If we include lost work time and the actual expenses incurred related to asthma, some estimates suggest that the cost exceeds $20 billion.
Asthma and Environmental Factors
Everyday environments found inside our homes or outside in the surrounding area have triggers that can start an asthma attack. Our pets release dander, mold emerges from moisture, smoke comes from fires or tobacco, dust and dust mites can be found in our bedrooms. All these and many more are factors influencing asthma.
What Can Be Done?
Visit a doctor and seek medical treatments for serious conditions. Keep the indoor environment clean and dust free as possible. Use an air purifier to maintain a high quality of indoor air.
Take Action
Join the US EPA this May in the national effort to raise awareness. Download EPA's Asthma Awareness Month Event Planning Kit featuring new ideas for outreach and awareness activities, tips for working with the media, success stories, and much more.
