Asthma Start Program
The Asthma Start Program works with families of children with asthma by providing in-home case management services.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a disease that causes the airways to become smaller and blocks free-flowing air into the lungs. Asthma is life-threatening if it is left untreated and ignored. It is the leading cause of hospital stays for young children in Alameda County. It causes missed days of school, play time, work for parents, and sleepless nights.
A person with asthma can have the following symptoms: coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest. During an asthma attack, the muscles in the lungs tighten, the airways become swollen, there is too much mucus production in the lungs, and the airways become narrow.
There is NO CURE for asthma, but it can be controlled with medications and by reducing exposure to environmental factors (i.e. secondhand smoke, pets, dust, mold, pollen, etc.) that may trigger the symptoms.
“Almost all asthma patients can become free of symptoms with proper treatment. Patients and their families should expect nothing less.” (National Institutes of Health: National Education and Prevention Program, 1991)
Asthma Start Program goals are to:
- prevent emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to asthma
- enhance awareness and understanding of asthma
- improve the ability of families to control the child’s asthma
- prevent missed days of work and school
Target Audience:
Infants, children, and adolescents (up to 18 years old
Major Events and Activities:
Asthma Awareness Month – May