Dear Neighbor,

Asthma has become an increasingly serious health risk to many members of our community. Asthma can be life-threatening and is the leading cause of visits to the doctor’s office. Fortunately, today there are a number of treatments available for persons with asthma.

Included in this pamphlet are some ways that you can fight asthma in your daily life, as well as general information about the disease.

I hope that you find the information useful.

• More than 15 million Americans suffer from asthma.
• Asthma is a lung disease that can be life-threatening if not treated.
• You can get asthma at any age.
• Asthma causes breathing problems, called attacks or episodes.
• Controlling the disease doesn’t mean just treating attacks – it means preventing them.
• No single medication or behavior will make asthma go away, but you can have control over your breathing.

• Take your asthma seriously.
• See your doctor.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, including any prescribed regimen of medication.
• Get a written treatment plan from your doctor to take the guesswork out of managing asthma.
• If asthma symptoms do not improve, see your doctor again.

• Clean your kitchen and bathroom regularly to get rid of indoor mold.
• Use a dehumidifier to help dry up the moist air in which molds and dust mites thrive.
• Control dust mites by putting your mattresses and pillows in airtight covers and washing your bedding every week.
• Quit smoking or help a family member quit.
• Place roach traps around your home.
• Stay away from wet paint, glues and solvents.
• Don’t use perfumes or perfumed soaps or cosmetics.
• Don’t use your home fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Avoid using perfumed cleaning products.

Many people with asthma experience attacks during or after exercise. You should get plenty of exercise; however, be aware of your breathing and do not overexert yourself. Exercise is one of the most common asthma triggers, affecting 60%-80% of asthma sufferers; for some, exercise is their only asthma trigger.

• One in 10 new asthma cases are diagnosed in persons aged 65 and older.
• The normal effects of aging can make asthma difficult to diagnose.
• Seniors are more likely to experience side effects from asthma medication.
• Older adults must also pay particular attention to the interactions asthma medication might have with other medications.
• Seniors with asthma should consult their physician regarding the annual flu shot, as well as the pneumonia vaccine.

• Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood — more than 5 million children in the U.S. have asthma.
• Kids should feel comfortable talking about their asthma.
• Many kids and their parents do not understand the basics about preventive management of asthma.
• Parents must educate themselves about preventive management, as well as particular preventive medications. You should help your child monitor his or her medication regimen.