1. A Serious Health Concern in the United States

Asthma is a serious health concern in the United States, with an estimated 22 million Americans suffering from the condition. Of those, 6.5 million are children and adolescents under the age of 18, making it one of the most common chronic illnesses among young people. Asthma can cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing, and can be triggered by environmental factors such as dust, pollen, and smoke. It is important for those with asthma to be aware of their triggers and take steps to avoid them, as well as to have an action plan in place to manage their symptoms.

Also → Diane Keaton's Asthma Diagnosis

2. Asthma Kills Nine Americans Every Day

Every day, nine Americans tragically lose their lives to asthma, a preventable condition that claims the lives of over 3,300 people annually. Despite the availability of treatments and proper care, asthma remains a leading cause of death in the United States, making it essential that individuals with asthma take the necessary steps to manage their condition and reduce their risk of a fatal attack.

Also → People with asthma are at increased risk of anaphylaxis

3. Gender Differences in Asthma Risk

Asthma is a condition that affects people of all ages, but the likelihood of developing it varies between genders. Boys are twice as likely to develop asthma than girls during childhood, however, the tables turn in adulthood, with women being more likely to suffer from the condition than men. This suggests that the risk of developing asthma may be affected by hormonal changes that occur during puberty.

Also → 1 in 5 Americans Suffering from Allergies or Asthma

4. Asthma Doesn't Have to be a Barrier to Success

Despite having asthma, David Beckham and Dawn Fraser have both achieved incredible success in their respective sports. Beckham is a former professional footballer who won 19 major trophies in his career, while Fraser is an Olympic gold medalist swimmer who won eight Olympic medals in total. This goes to show that asthma doesn't have to be a barrier to participating in sports - with the right management and support, it's possible to stay active and achieve great things.

Also → Adenoids: Removal can have a significant impact on overall health

5. Asthma Costs Americans More Than $56 Billion Annually

Asthma is an incredibly costly condition, with economic costs totaling more than $56 billion annually. This includes hospital stays, lost school and work days, and medical costs. The financial burden of asthma is felt by individuals, families, employers, and the healthcare system. The economic impact of asthma is far-reaching and affects all aspects of society.

Also → Food Allergies: Know the Risks

6. Reduce your risk of an asthma attack by knowing the triggers.

Asthma is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors such as mold, smoke, dust, and even bad weather. However, it is important to note that asthma attacks can also be caused by emotional triggers, such as stress or over-excitement. It is important to be aware of the potential triggers of asthma, and to take steps to reduce exposure to them, in order to reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

Also → Edward Jenner: Vaccine Pioneer

7. 10% of all asthmatics experience severe symptoms

Despite only accounting for 1-2% of the population, severe asthma affects a surprisingly large number of people - 10% of all asthmatics. Severe asthma is characterized by frequent and persistent symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. It can be life-threatening and requires ongoing medical management and lifestyle changes to manage.

Also → Mel Gibson: Living with a 'horseshoe kidney'

8. Medications don't address underlying cause

Albuterol is a common medication used to provide temporary relief for asthma sufferers, however, it does not address the underlying cause of the condition - swelling in the airways. To effectively treat asthma, it is necessary to use additional medications to reduce the swelling and improve airway function.

Also → Legumes: Fight Diabetes & Heart Disease

9. A Quick-Relief Condition That Can Be Managed With Medications

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with long-term and quick-relief medications, most of which are administered via an inhaler. Inhalers are a convenient and effective way to deliver medication directly to the lungs, providing fast relief from asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. With the right treatment plan, people with asthma can lead healthy, active lives.

Also → How to avoid the flu this season

10. 20% of asthma cases are workplace-related

When it comes to asthma, it's important to be aware of your environment, as up to 20% of adult asthma cases are linked to the workplace. This means that if you experience asthma symptoms while at work, it's important to take note of the environment and any potential triggers that could be causing the attack. This could include anything from dust, fumes, or other allergens that could be present in the workplace. Taking the time to identify and address any potential triggers can help to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.