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Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When the airways react, they get narrower, and less air flows through to your lung tissue. This causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
FREE Asthma Toolkit
The Managing Asthma Toolkit is a resource that is designed to provide a better understanding of asthma and help members learn to manage their asthma more effectively. Whether you have asthma for years or are just learning about this condition, you will find something of value in the toolkit. The toolkit will be automatically sent to newly diagnosed members who are identified through claims.
Managing Asthma Toolkit
To request a printed copy of the toolkit:
Write: Sanford Health Plan
Attn: QI Dept PO Box 91110
Sioux Falls, SD 57109-1110
Call: (605) 328-6807 or 1-888-315-0884
Email: quality@sanfordhealth.org
Resources:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - The AAAAI web site offers a range of current information about asthma research, diagnosis, treatment and management.
American Academy of Family Physicians - The AAFP site examines topics of concern to physicians providing primary care to persons with asthma. Use key word "asthma" search.
American Academy of Pediatrics - The Academy of Pediatrics site offers research findings, clinical how-to-treat suggestions and resources for clinicians and their patients. Use key word "asthma."
American Lung Association - The American Lung Association site offers a comprehensive approach to lung and respiratory diseases. Provides ongoing information connecting air pollution to asthma.
Asthma Clinical Research Network (ACRN) - ACRN is a division of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. To locate research findings go to the home page and select "Publications/Abstracts."
Important Events/Observances
Asthma Camp
Summer camp experiences are often a part of childhood. To afford children with asthma the opportunity to experience a safe, healthy and enjoyable recreational camping experience.
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month – May
Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May to be "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month." It's a peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
1233 20th Street NW, Suite 402
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (800) 7-ASTHMA (727-8462) (202) 466-7643 (202) 466-8940 Fax
Email: info@aafa.org
website: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Materials available |
