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Asthma has become increasingly more common the past 25 years. Many patients with asthma have underlying allergies. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath caused by a narrowing of the bronchial passages (airways) in the lungs, and excess mucus production and inflammation. Asthma can be disabling and, if not treated, can sometimes be fatal. If wheezing and shortness of breath accompany allergy symptoms, it is a signal that the bronchial tubes have also become involved, indicating the need for medical attention.
Asthma, once a debilitating disease with few treatment options, is now a highly manageable condition for most of the nearly 15 million Americans who have it. Through education and well-managed care, people with asthma can now lead full and productive lives.
At Lahey, we have a complete program of diagnostic, treatment and coping techniques for the care of both adults and children with asthma. Special attention is given to children, including plans for keeping your child active and educating you about setting appropriate guidelines for your child's activities. More specifically, our goals are as follows:
To improve and maintain health and quality of life for children and adults with asthma
To reduce the need for emergency treatment or hospitalization, thereby reducing the cost of managing asthma
To improve asthma care by participating in clinical research studies
For more detailed information on asthma and its diagnosis and treatment, visit Lahey's Asthma Center Web site.
