Intermodal Education Center Offers Free Asthma Screenings
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Area allergist Dr. Thomas Edwards will conduct free asthma screenings on Tuesday, May 22, at the Intermodal Education Center, located at the corner of North Street and Columbus Avenue from 3 to 6 p.m. Adults and children can find out if symptoms such as a chronic cough, wheezing and shortness of breath might be a sign of asthma.During a screening, adults complete a 20-question life quality test developed by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Children younger than 15 take a special test called the Kids' Asthma Check that allows them to answer questions themselves about any breathing problems. Another version of the check is available for parents of children up to 8 years of age to complete on their child's behalf.
Participants take a lung function test that involves blowing into a tube and meet with an allergist to determine if they should seek a more thorough examination and diagnosis.
More than 24 million Americans, including 7.1 million children, have asthma. The disease is responsible for almost 4,000 deaths a year. Although the exact cause of asthma is unknown, many treatments are available to control this chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs.
For a list of additional asthma screening locations and dates after May or to take online versions of the life quality test and Kids' Asthma Check, visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
