Uncontrolled asthma is behind over 10 million missed school days a year,
thanks to the nearly 10 million children in the United States, who are
currently living with asthma.
"This time of year is a particularly hard time for children with asthma," says Susan McQuade, a clinical therapist from Hendrick Medical Center.
High pollen counts, strong gusty wind, combined with a bad case of allergies, are all behind the rise in asthma attacks this time of year. According to McQuade, wildfires are also a contributing factor when it comes to asthma issues in children around this time.
So how do you get your asthma under control? According to McQuade, it all comes down to knowing yourself and how your asthma behaves.
"Children and adults with asthma need to learn how to self-manage their symptoms," explains McQuade. "They need to learn their early warning signs, because asthma attacks don't happen suddenly, without warning."
In fact, McQuade says symptoms of a future attack can show up days before the actual attack actually occurs.
"But everyone is different," adds McQuade, "they need to learn what their triggers are."
Triggers can be anything from allergies, to exercise, and even changes in weather patterns.
"Once they know that, they can learn to control their triggers, and kind of avoid their triggers."
As for the old adage that everyone outgrows their asthma with age, McQuade says, not so fast.
"We used to think that everyone outgrew their asthma, but what we're seeing more and more is that some people will have asthma again, later in life," says McQuade.
McQuade adds that while children are usually prone to more serious cases, as they grow older and their immune system strengthens, they are able to manage their symptoms much easier.
If you want to learn more about asthma, or get a free screening, Hendrick Medical Center is throwing a Asthma Awareness Carnival, Saturday, May 5th. Along with the free screenings there will be inflatables, popcorn, snow cones, and fun games for the entire family.
Connect With Hendrick Medical Center:
Asthma Awareness Carnival
Kohl's Department Store parking lot
Saturday, May 5th
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find Hendrick on Facebook!
"This time of year is a particularly hard time for children with asthma," says Susan McQuade, a clinical therapist from Hendrick Medical Center.
High pollen counts, strong gusty wind, combined with a bad case of allergies, are all behind the rise in asthma attacks this time of year. According to McQuade, wildfires are also a contributing factor when it comes to asthma issues in children around this time.
So how do you get your asthma under control? According to McQuade, it all comes down to knowing yourself and how your asthma behaves.
"Children and adults with asthma need to learn how to self-manage their symptoms," explains McQuade. "They need to learn their early warning signs, because asthma attacks don't happen suddenly, without warning."
In fact, McQuade says symptoms of a future attack can show up days before the actual attack actually occurs.
"But everyone is different," adds McQuade, "they need to learn what their triggers are."
Triggers can be anything from allergies, to exercise, and even changes in weather patterns.
"Once they know that, they can learn to control their triggers, and kind of avoid their triggers."
As for the old adage that everyone outgrows their asthma with age, McQuade says, not so fast.
"We used to think that everyone outgrew their asthma, but what we're seeing more and more is that some people will have asthma again, later in life," says McQuade.
McQuade adds that while children are usually prone to more serious cases, as they grow older and their immune system strengthens, they are able to manage their symptoms much easier.
If you want to learn more about asthma, or get a free screening, Hendrick Medical Center is throwing a Asthma Awareness Carnival, Saturday, May 5th. Along with the free screenings there will be inflatables, popcorn, snow cones, and fun games for the entire family.
Connect With Hendrick Medical Center:
Asthma Awareness Carnival
Kohl's Department Store parking lot
Saturday, May 5th
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find Hendrick on Facebook!
