DOH-Miami-Dade Recognizes Asthma Awareness Month

Contact:
Communications Office
786-336-1276

Miami, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County recognizes May as Asthma Awareness Month along with May 3^rd as World Asthma Day.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs and continues to be a serious public health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 24 million people, including over 6 million children, have asthma.

 

Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and if not well managed can result in repeated episodes of coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, loss of sleep and even death. Individuals can manage their asthma by knowing what may trigger an asthma attack and the physical warning signs of an attack. Common triggers include second-hand smoke, mold, dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, pollen, strong odors, colds and flu, and in some instances exercise, stress, cold air and certain foods. When asthma sufferers know their triggers, they are able to avoid these elements and reduce the likelihood of an attack.

 

Although asthma cannot be cured, it is critical to take the necessary steps to reduce asthma attacks. Successful management includes knowing the warning signs of attack, avoiding things that may trigger an episode and following the advice of your healthcare provider.

 

“Asthma affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Every person with asthma should have a timely diagnosis, receive appropriate treatment, learn to manage their own asthma, and reduce exposure to environmental factors that make asthma worse,” said Dr. Lillian Rivera, RN, MSN, PhD, Health Officer/Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County.

 

In 2014, the total charges related to just emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to asthma exceeded $181 million in Miami-Dade County. In 2014, there were 14,466 emergency department visits and 3,570 hospitalizations with asthma listed as the primary diagnosis in Miami-Dade County.

 

In support of Asthma Awareness Month, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County’s Healthy Homes & Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (HHLPPP) will distribute asthma related educational materials and will provide asthma education to the parents/guardians at different health centers to increase asthma awareness. 

 

Further information regarding asthma awareness can be found at the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County’s website www.miamidade.floridahealth.govor by calling 305-470-6877.

 

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

 

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