In 2007, over 348,000 children in North Carolina were diagnosed with asthma, one of the most common chronic illnesses among N.C.’s children. Childhood asthma was responsible for nearly 60,000 emergency room visits that year, and it is the leading cause of school absenteeism in our state. Asthma also exacts a heavy toll on North Carolina adults: Over 533,000 adults in North Carolina reported that they have asthma, and one in every five of these adults has visited an emergency room because of the disease.
Unfortunately, asthma cannot be cured— but in most cases it can be controlled. Asthma affects the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or tightness in the chest. Recognizing and avoiding asthma triggers such as mold, dust, pets, cigarette smoke, and other air pollution, is an important part of controlling asthma. Visiting trained healthcare professionals for regular check-ups and taking medications as prescribed are also key in controlling asthma.
In conjunction with Asthma Awareness Month this year’s North Carolina Asthma Summit will be held on May 18th at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park.
The Asthma Summit provides an excellent opportunity for asthma champions throughout North Carolina to showcase success stories and share strategies for dealing with asthma in our communities. Breakout sessions will feature practical information on asthma, available resources, and emerging projects. Come and learn about asthma and allergies, maintaining healthy homes, smoke free resources, working with asthma in child care centers, and more.
For information or to register for the 2010 North Carolina Asthma Summit, click here.
Also, check out community asthma events and get involved! See if programs such as Pinwheels at Schools, the Air Quality Flag Program and “All About Asthma” are taking place near you. Visit here and here.
As always, the NC Division of Public Health and partners provide support and resources to healthcare providers, schools, child care centers, and others on the addressing asthma. Information about state asthma efforts is available at www.asthma.ncdhhs.gov.