Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease that causes the airways to tighten and narrow. An asthma attack occurs when the lungs are not getting enough air to breathe. During an asthma attack, the airways tighten, swell, or fill with mucus. Common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
Did you Know?
-Approximately 15 percent of the Medicaid population has an asthma diagnosis.
-Asthma is the primary and secondary reason for hospital stays and emergency room visits for patients under 21 years of age.
-Asthma Disease Management for physicians and patients include:
- Adopting the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines in treating asthma.
- Using an Asthma Action Plan in Medical Records, at home and in school.
- Providers staging asthmatic patients (Mild Intermittent, Mild Persistent, Moderate Persistent, Severe Persistent).
- Ensuring patients use effective medicine inhalation techniques and are taking medicines regularly.
- Ensuring that asthmatic patients' home environment are free from asthma triggers as much as possible.
For more information about asthma, visit the websites below or call 4C!
ASTHMA