The Washington County Health Department is proud to join in helping increase public awareness of the important facts regarding Asthma and allergic diseases along side Governor Wes Moore, the Maryland Department of Health, and other local health departments. To view Governor Moore’s Proclamation for Asthma-Awareness click here.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes repeated episodes of chest tightness, wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath. It can be life threatening. Asthma attacks can be triggered by air pollution, allergens (pet dander, pests, mold), tobacco smoke, exercise, and infections. With proper diagnosis, good treatment, and effective self-management, people with asthma can control their condition and lead the full and active lives they choose.
What can you do?
- Make sure yourself/or your child is being treated with their inhaler properly.
- Know your triggers and learn how to avoid them. Remove the triggers in your environment that can make your asthma worse.
- Check the air quality so that you can avoid exposure to ozone, particulate matter, and other asthma triggers during bad air quality days.
- Develop an Asthma Action Plan, which is a communication tool and a key component of a comprehensive education program for asthma management. The Asthma Action Plan includes information related to treatment schedule and patient self-management.
- Prepare for asthma care during an emergency.
- Join the MDH Asthma Community of Practice
- For Health Professionals- Attend the 6th Annual Maryland Asthma Summit on May 18, 2023 9:30 a.m. – 4:40 p.m. at the Howard County Health Department. For more information and to register, visit the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative’s website: https://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/event/md-asthma-summit-2023/
- Follow us at Facebook,com/WashHealth at and Instagram.com/washcohealth_md/ for more information, data, and tips on asthma!
Resources:
- Maryland Home Visiting Program for Families with Asthma
- CDC: Resources for Parents, Knowing Asthma Triggers, Asthma during COVID-19
- EPA: Asthma Information
- American Lung Association:
- Allergy and Asthma Network: Managing Asthma in School: A Guide for Parents
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: School Planning Resources for Parents of Children with Asthma and Allergies
- Asthma Community Network – Resources and webinars
- University of Maryland Children’s Hospital: Breathmobile mobile asthma clinic
- Asthma & Allergy Friendly: List of certified products
