Androscoggin walk will increase awareness about a dangerous, chronic disease.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting more than 128,000 Maine adults and children. Each year in our state, asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism for children and missed workdays for adults. Nationwide, this disease results in 1.8 million trips to the hospital and 5,000 deaths each year.

To raise awareness about the disease and its treatment, the first Androscoggin Asthma Walk will be held on May 8.

Asthma is categorized as mild, moderate or severe; more than half of those dying from it actually had mild or moderate forms of the disease. Therefore, it is important that all individuals with asthma take their disease seriously, focusing on the best possible control.

The disease results when the lining of the bronchial tubes (passages that carry air in and out of the lungs) become inflamed and swollen, and increased amounts of mucous are produced. These airways are more easily irritated in people with asthma, causing their bronchial tubes to squeeze down and become narrower.

Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, coughing, a high-pitched squeaky sound when breathing and a sense of chest tightness or of not being able to get a full breath. Individuals may not have all of these symptoms.

It is not uncommon for children and adults with asthma to have prolonged periods of cough, lasting weeks after colds. Frequently, these individuals think they have some other problem, such as “chronic bronchitis” or “wheezy bronchitis,” before the actual diagnosis is made.

Allergies play a significant role for more than half of people with asthma. Some typical allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal dander and many others in the home, school and work place. Some examples of things that can aggravate or trigger asthma include: cold air, anxiety, air pollution, tobacco smoke, odors, pregnancy and various medications. Several medical problems, such as sinusitis, allergic nasal symptoms, acid reflux disease and obesity can make asthma worse. It is important that patients review all potential triggers and problems with their physician.

Asthma has a major impact on quality of life. Patients often have disturbed sleep and reduce their physical activity. However, if managed well, patients should be able to participate in sports, enjoy typical recreational activities and have a high quality of life.

If you have asthma and have specific goals that you aren’t achieving in your life due to the disease, these goals should be specifically discussed with your doctor.

When asthma is suspected, a test can be done to measure “lung power.” Skin testing to identify allergens is also an important part of controlling asthma. This information on can be very useful in developing an avoidance plan, which can help prevent asthma attacks.

In addition to avoiding triggers and allergens, there are many effective medications that can be very helpful in controlling the disease. These have been shown to reduce symptoms and the risk of fatal asthma attacks. New advances in treatment are constantly becoming available. You should discuss these medications and treatments with your physician.

The American Lung Association of Maine is constantly working to improve the quality of life for people with asthma, as well as those affected by other lung diseases.

As a physician who treats many patients with asthma, it has been a privilege to volunteer for this organization on many of their initiatives. Some of these include reducing youth smoking, improving air quality in homes, schools and workplaces as well as education of health care providers and patients with asthma.

To help the Lung Association do even more about asthma and to learn about their work, join me on the first Androscoggin Asthma Walk on May 8. In addition to raising funds for their asthma program, the walk will feature an asthma education fair.

To sign up, go to or simply show up for the walk. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. at the LaPage Center, 99 Campus Ave. (near St. Mary’s hospital).

Dr. Andrew Carey specializes in the treatment of allergies and asthma at his Lewiston practice.

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