Tempe, Arizona, May 7, 2007 – Several area allergists conducted free asthma screenings on May 5, 2007 at Scottsdale Health Care Information Center. Over fifty-one adults and children were screened.

The free screenings were conducted as part of the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program to promote early detection and effective treatment of asthma. Now in its eleventh year, the program is sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and supported by AstraZeneca.

"Asthma is a disease that affects an estimated 23 million Americans and kills at least 4,000 each year," Dr. Miriam K. Anand, Coordinator said. "The screening program is an important step to help people realize they don’t have to make lifestyle compromises if they have asthma. By informing people about the symptoms of asthma and advances in treatment, we can help improve the quality of their lives."

Asthma is characterized as a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath. Its exact cause is unknown, but an asthma attack can be triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander, certain drugs and food additives, viral respiratory infections or physical exertion.

Dr. Miriam K. Anand was assisted by Dr. Aaron Davis, Dr. Suresh C. Anand, and volunteers such as Kathy Jorgensen, Librarian, Scottsdale Health Care Information Center, Susan W. Cook, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor at the ASU College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation, and others.

SEE BELOW FOR PHOTOGRAPHS OF OUR RECENT SCREENING.

More information about asthma is available by calling 480.838.4296 or 480.421.0598.