April 29, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- UAB's (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Lung Health Center is offering free educational information on asthma as part of World Asthma Day, Tuesday, May 6.

Educational displays will be located outdoors in the UAB Commons Area, 900 16th Street South, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The Lung Health Center will also provide information regarding research studies conducted at the Center.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways whereby the inside walls of the airways become inflamed and swollen, causing them to become very sensitive. The inflamed airways tend to react strongly to certain triggers, which can cause coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Worsening symptoms can lead to an asthma attack.

Although no cure for asthma exists, most people can control it and live active lives with few and infrequent symptoms. Understanding asthma triggers is a key to controlling the condition. Triggers include allergens such as animal dander, pollen and mold, and irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong odors from perfume and cleaning supplies and even stress.

Proper medication can be critical for controlling asthma and preventing asthma attacks. There are several available medications that can give either long-term control or quick relief from asthma symptoms.