HELENA – May 1st is World Asthma Day and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is working to raise awareness for those that suffer from the chronic disease.
An estimated 82,000 Montanans live with asthma and over half of them are forced to limit their activities due to their condition.
Asthma is a condition in which a person may have trouble breathing because their airways becomes inflamed, narrow, swell and produce extra mucus.
DPHHS says that Montana can be hard on those with asthma since we have many potential triggers throughout the year such as pollen, wildfire smoke and cold weather.
Sarah Brokaw of the Montana Asthma Control Program says that people can take steps to controlling their asthma and help them enjoy the outdoors no matter the season.
“Overall we want people to know that asthma is common and it can be challenging to self-manage but people can be really successful in managing their asthma they can live full active lives,” says Brokaw.
The Montana Asthma Program works to help improve the quality of life for all Montanans with asthma.
For more information about managing asthma and support programs offered visit here.
Individuals can also learn more about the air quality in their community by visiting here.
