Free Asthma Screenings Underway
National program aims to increase awareness, provides testing
HealthScoutNews — The seventh annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program is being held at more than 300 locations across the United States as part of the National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May.
The program features free screenings to help adults and children determine if their chronic coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath may be caused by asthma.
People who know they have asthma can use the screenings to talk with a specialist about their asthma and get advice on how to keep their symptoms under control.
The program, conducted by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), has screened more than 61,000 people since it began in 1997.
Adults who go to a screening location fill out a 20-question Life Quality test developed by the ACAAI. Children younger than age 15 take a specially designed test called the Kids’Asthma Check.
Both adults and children are given a lung function test, which involves blowing into a tube, and meet with a doctor to determine if they need to have a more thorough medical examination.
To get more information about the screening program and to view a list of screening sites and dates, go to the ACAAI.
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