Screening For Asthma

Millions of Americans suffer from asthma, including many who don't know they have it. So this spring, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is offering free asthma screening tests across the United States. Medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay dropped by The Early Show with some details.

Asthma can be very dangerous, reports Senay, adding, "We know that it leads to 5,000 deaths a year. There are two million emergency room visits as a result of asthma, 500,000 hospitalizations. And along with that comes a lot of people who live uncomfortably, whose lives are affected by it. (It) prevents them from doing things they want to do.

"It's serious on a lot of different levels. Many people don't realize they have asthma."

The good news is that many good treatments are available, and those stricken with asthma can get their lives back.

For the ninth year, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is offering those free asthma screening tests at malls, civic centers, and other public places.

The asthma screening itself is simple, says Senay. At the site, you will be given a questionnaire. Then you will be given a test that involves breathing into a tube. "It's totally non-invasive, very easy to do," explains Senay. "It's not only for people who want to figure out if their symptoms are asthma or not; it's also for people who already have asthma, because one of the big problems is, people know they have it but they're not well controlled."

Also at the testing sites, you can be referred to a doctor who, if you are not well-controlled, can help you get your situation under control.

What are the warning signs of asthma?