The Florida Lung Doctors recognize that this beautiful month of May brings us more than sweet beach weather and pretty flowers. It brings us time to recognize and advocate for Asthma awareness. This common chronic disease afflicts patients with breathlessness, chest tightening, wheezing, gasping and coughing. One way to acknowledge this awareness is to become more educated about this disease.

Fact: There are 26 million Americans who suffer from asthma.

Fact: Asthma can not be cured, only managed. disease affecting the lungs, causing repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.

Fact: Asthma does not respect your age, I.Q. , income, or background. It can attack anyone at any age, from any walk of life.

According to the CDC, asthma can be controlled “by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack.” The triggers might differ from one patient to another. In honor of Asthma Awareness, here is the Florida Lung Doctor’s list of the most common triggers which can ignite an asthma attack.” An ounce of Prevention mis worth a pound of cure.” If you know these triggers, you might be able to save the breath-or the life-of a friend or family memeber:

Trigger l: No Smoking, Please! We all know how unhealthy tobacco smoke is, but it is even more terrible for asthmatics. The experts at the CDC and The American Lung Association say, “Secondhand smoke” is smoke created by a smoker and breathed in by a second person, and it can easily trigger an asthma attack. If you have asthma, people should never smoke near you, in your home, in your car, or wherever you may spend a lot of time.”

Trigger 2: They are not unicorns! Just because you can not see them, does not mean you do not have dust mites. They are not mythical and they invate most homes. If you have asthma, dust mites can trigger an asthma attack. To prevent attacks, use mattress covers and pillowcase covers to make a barrier between dust mites and yourself. Don’t use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters. Remove stuffed animals and clutter from your bedroom. Wash your bedding on the hottest water setting.

Trigger 3: Tiny Monsters! Less known to the general public, but threatening to asthmatics, are common cockroaches. Cockroaches and their droppings qualify as big triggers for an asthma attack. If someone in your home has asthma, a clean kitchen will deprive cockroaches of food and water. Sweeping, vacuming and cleaning areas that would be attractive to the roaches should be routine. Traps or gels will help you stop an invasion, but be careful of stong pesticides around the asthma patient’s environment.

Trigger 4: Poison Day! Outdoor Air Pollution can definitely trigger an asthma attack. Factories, automobiles and chemicals produce triggers. The CDC recommends, “Pay attention to air quality forecasts on radio, television, and the Internet and check your newspaper to plan your activities for when air pollution levels will be low.”

Trigger 5: Fine Furry Friends! The family cat, bird or dog can trigger an asthma attack. If the family can not part with the pet, at least avoid letting them sleep with the asthmatic. Alas, trimming or shaving Rover won’t help; it is the dander from the pet’s skin that distresses the patient. Bathe the pet often, and use the vacume cleaner liberally!

Trigger 6: Moldy Oldies! We are not talking about old music here; we are talking about real, living molds, which make spores, which create unhealthy environments. Our advice is to use a dehumidifier, and keep the humidity level low. Check for water leaks; they allow mold to florish behind walls, and under floors.

Trigger 7: Germs and Viruses! Influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause a patient to suffer an asthma attack. Allergies and even acid reflux can also trigger attacks.

Trigger 8: Smoke Gets In Your Lungs! The old song “smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” was romantic but smokey haze is anything but romantic if you have asthma. Any type of smoke from burning wood or grass is full of “harmful gases and small particles. Breathing in too much of this smoke can cause an asthma attack. You will also have to forego the romance of a wood burning fireplace if you make yhour home with someone who suffers from asthma.
Again, we suggest you check tv or radio news sources, or get the clean air AP on your Smart phone, so you can counsel your asthmatic friend or family member about times to stay indoors, in a clean invironment.

Trigger 9: Make Sense With Scents! Fragrances from perfumes, flowers, candles, potpourri, and cleaning products can quickly cause an asthma attack.

Trigger 10: Know Your Limits! Sometimes physical exercise can instigate a seige of asthma. Asthma patients must learn the level of physical activity they can tolerate.

Trigger 11: Storm Warning! Bad weather, thunderstorms, high humidity and breathing in cold, dry air can are known asthma triggers. Check the weather, and be prepared with proper medication in case of an attack.

Trigger 12: Top Chefs’ Warning! Most asthmatics know that some foods or food additives can act as fast triggers to bring on the shortness of breath and respiratory distress of asthma.

Trigger 13: Keep Calm and Carry On!  This old British Saying, attributed to Queen Victoria, could have been written as a warning to asthma patients. Strong emotions can cause hyperventilation, and lead the patient directly into an asthma attack.

Not just this May, but every May, when we see the flowers begin to bloom and the Spring days bring us sunshine, the Florida Lung Doctors join the various organizations which are working to improve education and advocacy for the cause of patients who suffer with asthma. The professionals at the Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Center tell their patients to learn the signs of an attack, and avoid their triggers. “When you control your asthma, you will breathe easier, be as active as you would like, sleep well, stay out of the hospital, and be free from coughing and wheezing.”

If you, a friend, or a family member has been diagnosed, learn asthma control at this site!

The Florida Lung Doctors also recommend that patients with asthma have regular physical exams. With asthma, your health should be monitored, lung function checked, and allergies tested. A good source of information about the symptoms of asthma is the American Lung Association.

Many patients with asthma control it, and have very normal, active lives. In this month of May, 2013, we honor them for their day-to-day courage and control. We also honor the associations and organizations which finance the advocacy, education, and research required to win the battles posed by this chronic lung disease.