According to the American Lung Association, asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of your lungs. It can start at any age and can be diagnosed as young as two years old. Asthma can be characterized as a chronic condition of swollen airways, extra mucus build-up, and tightening of the airway muscles. Currently, there is no cure for asthma. However, it can be treated and controlled with the proper tools and knowledge of asthma management skills.

Asthma is a major public health issue in Harris County and is known to be one of the most common chronic diseases in children nationally. Harris County has an asthma prevalence of 8.9% with over 96,000 pediatric asthma diagnoses. In 2012, there were 1,173 pediatric asthma hospitalizations with over 52,000 unduplicated claims, totaling over $13 million in Medicaid expenditures. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), untreated or poorly controlled asthma leads to high rates of school absenteeism, numerous visits to the emergency room, and/or unplanned physician visits. Asthma is a complex disease and can be dangerous if not properly managed; on average, 11 individuals die from asthma-related complications every day in the U.S. according to the CDC.

Although asthma is not curable, studies have shown that, with the proper knowledge and treatment of symptoms and triggers, asthma can be adequately controlled with medication and a self-management plan. With ongoing environmental and natural disasters and poor air quality present in Harris County, the OBT program aims to reduce the asthma burden within the county and empower the community to lead healthier lives.

Asthma Self-Management Session Topics

• Asthma 101
• Steps to manage asthma
• Asthma triggers and warning signs
• Asthma emergency signs
• Asthma tools and medicine
• Staying active with asthma and doing well