Did you know that over 24 million people in the Unites States live with asthma, a chronic lung disease that causes coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath? According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), prevalence is higher in children than in adults, and higher in females than males. There is no cure for asthma, but those who have it can live an active and healthy life through proper management and a treatment plan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that childhood asthma is the most common chronic illness in children, accounting for 13.8 numerous missed school days each year and lost work days for adults. The ACAAI and CDC both reveal that almost 3,600 people die of asthma each year, nearly half of whom are age 65 or older, and half of people with asthma have at least one asthma attack each year; children more likely to have an attack than adults. A fact sheet published by The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals indicates that more than six percent of Louisiana’s adult population currently has asthma, and among Louisiana youth, an estimated 11 percent suffer from asthma.

The airways of people with asthma are always inflamed. They swell more when muscles around them tighten after something triggers symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness. For many asthma sufferers, timing of these symptoms is closely related to physical activity, reports the ACAAI. And, some otherwise healthy people can develop exercise-induced asthma (EIA) symptoms only when exercising. However, staying active contributes to a healthy lifestyle. An allergist or immunologist is a physician who can develop a management and treatment plan to keep symptoms under control before, during and after physical activity.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology points out that people with a family history of allergies or asthma also are more prone to developing asthma. Those who have allergic asthma have allergies. Extreme dry, windy or wet weather can worsen an asthma condition too. Exposure to potentially harmful substances in the workplace also can contribute to occupational asthma. A respiratory illness or the flu can make an individual more susceptible to asthma too.

Effective asthma management and treatment recommended by the ACAAI include:

• Monitoring the disease with a peak flow meter, identifying and avoiding allergen triggers, using drug therapies including bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents, and developing an emergency plan for severe attacks.
• Taking long-term control medications daily to achieve and maintain control of asthma symptoms. Or, taking quick-relief asthma medications on an as-needed basis to relieve symptoms rapidly.
• Using anti-inflammatory medications such as inhaled corticosteroids to improve asthma control and normalize lung function.
• Receiving immunotherapy or allergy shots if asthma symptoms are not easily controlled with medication and symptoms occur three days a week and more than two nights a month due to exposure to unavoidable allergens.

Carmichael’s Cashway Retail Pharmacy in Crowley, Louisiana has several convenient ways for you to fill asthma medications, and our pharmacists will work closely with your prescribing doctor to help ensure proper management and treatment of your asthma condition. Contact or visit our Crowley, Lafayette and Lake Charles Durable Medical Equipment locations for respiratory equipment such as nebulizers and related inhalation drugs.