One of the most common medical conditions in the United States is asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs. This condition causes these airways to become inflamed and narrowed at times and can be triggered by various sources, including pollen, exercise, viral infection or cold air.

Many people consider asthma to be a childhood condition, but asthma can develop at any time and is also common among adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics state that approximately 25 million people (children and adults) in the United States have asthma. That’s roughly one in twelve people across the country who suffer from this condition.

As summer falls away into autumn, allergens and colder weather can trigger asthma symptoms and may cause asthma attacks. Because of this, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) considers the third week of September to be the September Asthma Epidemic or Asthma Peak Week.

There are a variety of precautions for those who suffer from asthma can take, including, but not limited to:

  • Diligently taking controller medication as prescribed by a physician
  • Wearing a mask
  • Avoiding asthma triggers

o  Ask visitors to remove their shoes before entering
o  Keep doors and windows closed during peak pollen times
o  Use certified asthma and allergy-friendly air filters in home HVAC systems

A nebulizer turns liquid medication into a fine mist, which can be easier to inhale than inhaler-delivered medications. They can be beneficial for children as they provide more reliable dosage delivery than an inhaler, as some children may find it challenging to take the fast, deep breath required to properly deliver the medication inside an inhaler.

Physicians prescribe nebulizers to help control asthma symptoms, and they can be purchased or rented at pharmacies and medical equipment facilities, including Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) Home Medical Equipment.

To learn more about the equipment available for purchase and rental at PMC Home Medical Equipment, call 606-430-4750, or visit the store at 138 S. Mayo Trail, Pikeville, KY.