Asthma
(718) 963-4174
The Asthma Awareness Program extends the department's services throughout the community by enhancing community, patient and healthcare providers' awareness of asthma. Services offered include educational workshops, counseling, consultations, and clinic appointments. The Asthma Awareness team provides emergency room coverage seven (7) days a week to manage adult and pediatric asthmatic patients.
It is becoming increasingly more common for individuals who are diagnosed with asthma to learn successful techniques to better manage their disease. They can work and attend school with minimal days lost. Most can enjoy the benefits of regular exercise and participate in sports-related activities.
Successful management of asthma requires a take-charge approach that includes:
- understanding the nature of the disease and the normal function of the lungs
- appropriate use of medications
- daily measurement of airflow (peak flow monitoring)
- identifying the triggers that cause attacks
- handling an acute episode
- developing treatment plans that work
Key components of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center Asthma Management Program include:
- complete patient history and pulmonary function testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis
- physical examination and review of diagnostic test results
- educational sessions to establish individual goals and treatment plans for achieving optimal outcomes
- ongoing follow-up, support and periodic pulmonary function testing
- fostering patient and family involvement in disease management
Understanding Asthma
Asthma is a disease that restricts the passage of air through the
bronchial tubes. A tightening of muscles that surround the bronchial wall
and the production of excess mucus contribute to narrowing of the airways.
This condition is always present, even if there are no symptoms. Flare-ups
of the disease, often referred to as asthma attacks, generally occur as a
result of triggers that may include:
- allergens such as pollen, animal dander and mold
- smoking or second hand smoke
- air pollutants
- various food additives and preservatives
- extreme heat and cold
- stress and emotional turmoil
In a mild, non-acute state, asthma may have little or no impact on an individual's ability to carry out activities of daily living. There are, however, warning signs that signal the onset of worsening symptoms or an acute asthma attack. These may include:
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- tightness in the chest or chest pain
- sleep disturbances
- increased use of bronchodilators
- 14 million people affected nationwide
- 500,000 hospitalizations
- 2 million emergency room visits
- 10 million lost school days
- 3 million lost work days
- more than 5,000 deaths annually
- $6 billion in asthma-related costs
Questions for People With Asthma:
- How many times each month does asthma disrupt your sleep?
- How many times per week do you use your inhaler?
- How many times a year do you refill your inhaler?
If your answer to any of the above questions is "two or more," talk to your physician about the Asthma Management Program at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. Together, we will develop a customized plan that helps you achieve better control of your asthma.
Follow @WyckoffHospital