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Asthma Can't Be Cured, But Can Be Controlled

chapstickaddict from Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0: http://bit.ly/2J1zHbI

MONDAY at noon on "The Source" — More than 19 million adults in the U.S. and over 6 million children suffer from asthma-related symptoms, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.  

Asthma causes airways to narrow and swell, making it difficult to breathe. The asthmatic experience can range from being a minor nuisance to a debilitating problem that interferes with daily life and can lead to a life-threatening attack.

In 2015, Bexar County trumped the state average of child hospital visits for asthma and asthma-related symptoms. Air pollution, allergies, and access to medical care all affect the severity of breathing issues and ultimately treatment options for individuals afflicted with asthma.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's (AAFA) 2017 study shows that San Antonio ranks in the 100 most challenging large U.S. cities to live with asthma. That study also puts San Antonio at #2 nationally for pollen count and #7 for individuals with asthma who lack of insurance. AAFA will release a new study on May 7, 2019.

Who's most at risk for developing asthma? What are the signs and symptoms? How is it treated? 

What causes an asthma attack? What does an attack look like and what should you do if it happens to you or a loved one?

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionshow asthma diagnoses have been increasing since the early 1980s in all age, sex and racial groups. What role do environmental factors like air pollution play in exacerbating breathing difficulties?

Guests: 

"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource. 

 

*Audio for this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6. 

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Kim Johnson is the producer for Texas Public Radio’s live, call-in show The Source. She is a Trinity University alum with bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Spanish, and a Master of Arts Degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dallas Williams is a Producer for The Source at Texas Public Radio. With a degree in Mass Communication — Broadcast Media, Dallas brings a unique perspective and a passion to producing a live, call-talk show.