CONTACT:
Molly Ring or
Bob Szafranski
(312) 558-1770
NATIONWIDE ASTHMA SCREENINGS WILL HELP AMERICANS BREATHE EASY
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 6, 1998 -- Americans can learn whether their breathing problems, such as coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, might be symptoms of asthma in free screening programs in 200 communities beginning in May.
Allergists, who are asthma specialists, will screen adults and children as part of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's (ACAAI's) 1998 Nationwide Asthma Screening Program.
More Americans than ever before are suffering from asthma, according to a report released last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma rates increased 75 percent between 1980 and 1994, with 13.7 million self-reported cases in 1993-1994. The CDC estimates that more than 15 million Americans suffer from asthma today and more than 5,000 people die each year of the disease.
More than 3,000 adults and children participated in the ACAAI's first nationwide asthma screening in 1997 at 100 sites across the country, and more than half had symptoms that suggested referral for a professional diagnosis. The campaign is funded by an educational grant from Astra.
"We feel we made a difference in the lives of adults and children who participated in the program last year," said Susan Rudd Wynn, M.D., chair of the ACAAI Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. "Many were making lifestyle compromises because of undiagnosed or undertreated asthma. We know there are many more people who can be helped, and we're determined to expand our efforts to reach them."
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath. Its exact cause is unknown, but an asthma attack often is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander, certain drugs and food additives, viral respiratory infections and physical exertion.
Despite improved medication and understanding of the disease, many Americans who suffer from asthma make unnecessary lifestyle compromises, limiting activities and even giving up sports and exercise. Underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment of the disease are major contributors to these lifestyle compromises.
"Asthma should not limit anyone's life quality," said ACAAI President Jean Chapman, M.D. "Unfortunately, many people don't realize their breathing problem is asthma and that asthma can be treated. The nationwide screenings will help raise awareness."
The ACAAI's 20-question Life Quality (LQ) Test is an integral part of the free screening programs which will be performed at shopping malls, civic centers, health fairs and other accessible locations throughout the country. Adults and children who are experiencing breathing problems answer questions from the LQ Test and take a special breathing lung function test that involves blowing into a tube. Participants will be counseled on whether they should seek a thorough examination and diagnosis. Current asthma sufferers can talk with a specialist about controlling their disease. Allergists, allied health professionals and patient support organizations are volunteering their time and expertise to the public education program.
To obtain a list of asthma screening sites or to take the LQ Test, visit the ACAAI Web site at http://allergy.mcg.edu.
Co-sponsoring the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program are two patient support organizations: the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics.
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