Asthma affects 20 million Americans, including 7 million children, according to the American Lung Association. Asthma is a controllable disease; however, patient and family education regarding treatment and management is important. There are many different organizations that provide information, support, advocacy and educational materials for persons and families affected by asthma.
The Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA has an asthma outreach and education program, and much of the information and tools are featured on their website. This website provides educational information, public service announcements and programs that can be initiated in schools. The asthma resource section features a tool to order free materials and find events near you, as well as Spanish resources. There are posters and videos on the Publications and Resource page, while the Basic Information page provides information for patients.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
In addition to promoting the professions it represents, this organization provides information for patients. The website features information on conditions by topic; a physician referral directory by location; games, puzzles and videos for kids; recent research; and resources for parents and seniors. The Allergy and Asthma Drug Guide describes drugs by category, which is useful if you would like to learn more about the medications you are taking. Professionals can find educational tools for their patients and recent research related to asthma and immunology.
Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
This is a nonprofit organization that was developed to help families with asthma. They provide education, advocacy and outreach. Their website features frequently asked questions about asthma, allergies, medications, environment and financial concerns. It also has articles, information on special health topics, and information about books and literature you can buy related to asthma. One feature on their website is "Ask a Nurse," where you can email a question to a nurse who is a certified asthma educator.
The American Lung Association
The American Lung Association represents many different lung diseases, yet provides a variety of asthma resources. They offer a telephone number to "ask the expert" questions about lung health, and also provide information about asthma in schools, information for individuals with asthma and parents whose children have asthma, research and asthma facts. Their Breathe Well, Live Well Program, developed with the Centers for Disease Control, is geared toward adults with asthma. Their website also features the Asthma Profiler Tool, which can help you make treatment decisions about the management of asthma.
