Photo courtesy of Doriana S
Asthma, a disease affecting the airways, affects upwards of 20 million Americans. Asthma causes inflammation of the lungs and airways, creating difficulty in one of the most natural acts of life, breathing. In over 50 percent of asthma sufferers attacks are triggered by allergens. Potential allergens can be external or internal and include items such as smoke, pollutants, pet dander, dust mites, and many, more.
Asthma in Jacksonville
Asthma itself is the most common reason for school and work absence in our community. Baptist Medical Center reported over 1300 cases of emergency room visits for asthma-related conditions in 2008. According to a 2008 report by the Duval County Health Department, the county has 24 percent more asthma emergency visits than the state average. It is important, however, to note that not all asthma sufferers seek emergency room care and therefore would not be included in the reported numbers. A comprehensive study of asthma in Jacksonville would be more likely to reveal accurate and up to date numbers.
Easy Breathing ©
The reason for Duval County’s high average in asthma is, as of yet, unclear. Officials, though, are making attempts to reduce the amount of hospital visits and emergency asthma attacks. As of June 17, 2009 the Duval County Health Department has come together with the Community Asthma Partnership at Wolfson Hospital to create Easy Breathing. This program will help to improve the management of childhood asthma through a simple physician/patient questionnaire.
Treating the symptoms
While the Easy Breathing program is obviously a step in the right direction, Duval County still has no idea as to the cause of the skyrocketing rates. Emergency room visits help asthma sufferers with their immediate need, the ability to breathe in the current moment, but not in the long term. Treating asthma symptoms does not prevent asthma in children, nor does it uncover the underlying cause of the asthma itself. Comprehensive studies and investigations may be needed to uncover the roots and triggers of asthma.
More information on asthma:
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Sources:
Duval County Health Department Asthma Report, November 2007
Wolfson Chidren's Hospital News Archive, 2009
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