Asthma

You Need to Breathe!

“I can’t breathe,” are words you never want to say or hear from a loved one. Yet more than 19 million adults and 6 million children in the United States suffer from asthma, and this number is increasing every year.

Asthma is a chronic, or long-term, disease that inflames and narrows the airways of your lungs. Researchers believe asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors – most occurring early in life.

If you have asthma, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of Breath – Feeling as though you can’t catch your breath.
• Wheezing – A whistling sound heard when breathing in or out.
• Coughing – A cough that may not go away and often occurs or worsens at night or early morning.
• Chest Tightness – Feeling as if something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.

Asthma is Manageable

While you cannot cure the disease, you can manage it with the help of your health care provider. By following a personalized asthma management plan, you can reduce your asthma symptoms.

Asthma rates are 50 percent higher in the Metro Detroit area than the rest of Michigan, so it is important that your family, friends, and co-workers understand the disease and how it can impact your life.

Park Medical Centers’ healthcare providers are very experienced in treating Asthma. Come in today if you are concerned that you have Asthma or need help with managing it.