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Asthma
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Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Children with a family history of allergy or asthma are at risk for developing asthma. Studies show that up to 80% of children with asthma develop symptoms before the age of five... the more subtle signs of asthma, such as chest tightness, often are not identified early on, according to Patterson. The only observable symptoms a child with asthma may have are a cough, rapid or noisy breathing, and chest congestion. "A parent may notice that their child has less energy than other children during active playtime or the child may try to limit physical activities to prevent coughing or wheezing. A child's allergist relies heavily on parents' observations to determine the signs of asthma and make a proper diagnosis," Patterson said.
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Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs. In New York State (NYS), more than 1.1 million adults have asthma1. Asthma occurs at any age but is more common in children than adults. Nationally, nearly one in 13 school-age children have asthma, and that rate is rising more rapidly in preschool-aged children and those living in urban inner cities than in any other group. Although there is no cure for asthma, asthma attacks can be prevented and controlled with proper care. New York is actively working with health care providers, community coalitions, schools, families and many others to fight asthma so people with asthma can live a full and active life.
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NEW YORK, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Asthma has a new line up as top athletes get behind an innovative asthma awareness initiative called Breathe Easy Play Hard. Created by renowned pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Janis Schaeffer, Breathe Easy Play Hard is rooted in a website (http://www.breatheeasyplayhard.com/) designed to inform and inspire children and teens with asthma. It teaches kids and their caregivers that an athlete with asthma is not an oxymoron. The comprehensive website, and a PSA campaign featuring members of the New York Rangers launched earlier today. In the coming weeks, a series of events at Madison Square Garden with the New York Knicks, Liberty and Rangers will shine a spotlight on prominent figures with asthma, who are at the top of their game.
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Asthma was found to have a profound and detrimental impact on the quality of life of these children and that of their families. More than half of the children had been hospitalized in the previous year and three quarters had at least one emergency room visit. Fifty-five percent of children missed at least one day of daycare or school in the previous month and 48 percent of parents missed at least one day of work due to their child's asthma. Many children are ... restricted from physical activities at home or in school.
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Asthma affects about 17 to 18 million people in the United States and is becoming more common. Between 1982 and 1992, the number of people with asthma increased by 42%. Asthma is particularly common in blacks living in urban environments (affecting about 7%) and even more so in Hispanic populations living in urban environments (affecting about 11%). The condition ... seems to be becoming more serious, requiring more people to be hospitalized. Between 1982 and 1992, the death rate from asthma in the United States increased by 35%. The condition usually begins in childhood, although some adults develop asthma, even at an old age.
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Asthma attacks occur when the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed, reducing the space through which air can travel through the lungs. This causes the asthmatic to work harder to move air in and out of the lungs. Asthma attacks usually begin with mild chest pressure and a dry cough. As an attack intensifies, wheezing develops and increases in pitch; breathing becomes difficult; and coughing produces thick, stringy mucus. As the airway inflammation prevents some of the oxygen-rich air from reaching the alveoli, the cells of the body start to burn oxygen at a higher rate, actually increasing the body’s demand for oxygen. The frequency of asthma attacks varies considerably among asthma suffers.
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Asthma