Celebrities Fight to Keep Asthma Under Control

Most people know Jackie Joyner-Kersee as a three time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder for the heptathlon. What they don't know, is that Joyner-Kersee accomplished all that while fighting asthma. She is on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning to raise awareness about asthma management.

About Allergies and Asthma

Asthma has often been described as a wheezing sound when you breathe, but asthma is so much more! Asthma has also been falsely described as an emotional disease, but the disease is real and can be deadly if not treated properly. This page describes some of the common symptoms, triggers, and medications used in the treatment of asthma. These guidelines and the treatment of asthma and allergies should be discussed with your health-care professional.

Asthma Can Happen at Any Stage of Life

Asthma Symptoms

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, the diagnosis could be asthma:

• coughing
  
• wheezing or whistling when you breathe
  
• chest tightness
  
• shortness of breath
  
• excess mucus

In addition, these symptoms or conditions are sometimes associated with asthma:

• Stuffy or runny nose (rhinitis or hay fever)
  
• Sinusitis
  
• Nasal polyps
  
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
  
• Gastroesophageal reflux

Symptoms may be triggered by:

• Viral respiratory infections
  

  
  

• Exposure to pollen, mold, house-dust mite, cockroach, and animal dander, urine, and saliva
  

  
  

• Exposure to workplace chemicals or allergens
  

  
  

• Environmental change resulting from moving or vacation
  

  
  

• Exposure to tobacco smoke, perfumes, hairsprays, air pollutants, vapors, gasses, and aerosols
  

  
  

• Emotional expressions such as fear, anger, frustration, crying, and laughing
  

  
  

• Medications such as aspirin, beta-blockers, food additives, and preservatives
  

  
  

• Changes in weather, air pressure, humidity, and cold air
  

  
  

• Exercise
  

  
  

• Menstrual period, pregnancy, or thyroid disease
  

  
  

• Cold drinks

Asthma can be controlled!

With a customized Asthma Management Plan (AMP) developed by you and your physician, you and your family can lead an active, healthy life. Your AMP is your action plan giving you power over your symptoms.

Above guidelines copyright Allergy and Asthma Network – Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc., (AAN-MA). All rights reserved.

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Supported by Congress, each May AAN-MA stages Asthma Awareness Day on Capitol Hill to put a human face to asthma, bringing together celebrities, government leaders, and people from all over the country who have experienced the challenges of asthma.

This Year's Event On May 3, 2000, AAN-MA is holding the third annual Asthma Awareness Day on Capitol Hill. This year's event includes participation from 100 honorary co-chairs from the House and Senat, 25 companies and associations sponsoring and exhibiting, and more than 300 members of Congress and their staff participating.

Key Messages

• The importance of public awareness and scientific research devoted to the causes and cures of asthma
  

  
  

• Children with asthma must have the right to carry prescribed inhalers with them at school, so they have quick access to life-saving
  

  
  

• The need for full-time school nurses in every school
  

  
  

• Promote healthy indoor air quality

For more information, visit the Allergy and Asthma Network – Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc., Web site, or call 1-800-878-4403.

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