What Is Asthma?

Two young boys in a classroom setting, sitting at a table with pieces of asthma-related medical equipment. They are holding one of the pieces and learning how it is used.

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs which can flare up due to allergic reaction (pollen and animal dander), viral infections, or exposure to irritants like smoke. If not managed properly, asthma episodes can be life threatening.

Symptoms may include:

🞂 Coughing and wheezing
🞂 Shortness of breath with activity
🞂 Chest tightness
🞂 Fatigue

Consider These Facts

🞂 Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism and childhood emergency room visits
🞂 Asthma is the fourth leading cause of work loss, resulting in 9 million lost work days each year.
🞂 Asthma is the underlying cause of nearly 5000 U.S. deaths every year. In 1997, 9 Alaskan’s died from asthma
🞂 Approximately 15 million Americans have asthma and more than 50 million have allergies
🞂 Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the U.S.
🞂 More than 22 million Americans have allergic rhinitis or hay fever. . It is the most frequently reported chronic condition in children, limiting activities for more than 40 percent of them.

Asthma and Allergies in Alaska

It is estimated that 6-8% of Alaskans have asthma and 20% have allergies. With our extremes in weather, geography, and cultural diversity, asthma and allergy education is a challenge.