A cough at night, followed by a cold that doesn't go away and a whistling sound when breathing out.

For 22 million Americans, these symptoms are very familiar. They have asthma, an inflammation of the lung's linings that provokes muscle spasms and blocks the airflow.

If symptoms become worse, an asthma attack can occur, making breathing difficult or impossible. If severe enough, the attack can be fatal.

The exact cause of asthma is unknown. Nevertheless, an initiative of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) - called Nationwide Asthma Screening - is helping tens of thousands of Americans to seek treatment as early as possible.

This Saturday, May 17, the screening will come to Danvers, Mass., at Liberty Tree Mall (100 Independence Way) and 16 other states.

The screening provides free tests to adults and children at more than 250 sites across the country. Most screenings take place in May, which is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

National statistics show the disease affects about 6.5 million U.S. children.

In Massachusetts, 11% of school children have asthma, according to John Auerbach, the state's Commissioner of the Department of Public Health.

The screening takes less than 15 minutes. After filling out forms, a painless breathing test is given, which consists of simply blowing very hard into a tube.

The tube is connected to a computer that measures lung function. If the results suggest asthma, the attending allergist will make a referral to a doctor for diagnosis.

Approximately 50 million Americans have asthma, hay fever or other allergy-related conditions. Asthma and allergic diseases are two of the most common health problems.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) established new guidelines to control or reduce asthma effects.

The disease is under control, according to the NHLBI, when the patient has no or few asthma symptoms, even at night or after exercise, fewer or no emergency room visits, or when the person has less need for quick-relief medicines.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is the sponsor of the ACAAI's Nationwide Asthma Screening.
Find an allergist near you at acaai.org/public/patients/test.htm [1].

On Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., the screening also will be in Murray, Vermont, at Fashion Place Mall, 6191 S. State Street.

Check out the screening locations across the country, at acaai.org/public/lifeQuality/nasp/locations.htm [2].

Source: EthnicNewz.org

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