Tuesday, May 5, 2020 is World Asthma Day. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness, care and support for those affected by asthma. Although the primary focus is supporting the person with asthma, support may also extend to family, friends and caregivers.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs which causes breathing problems. Symptoms of asthma include breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
More than six million children in America have asthma. It is the most common long-term lung disease in children in the United States. These symptoms vary in frequency and severity. When the symptoms are not under control, the airways can become inflamed making breathing difficult.
Young children, school-age children, and teenagers can have asthma. Asthma affects boys and girls of every race from all parts of the world. More children receive treatment for asthma than ever before. NAM’s Pediatric Health Center (PHC) is equipped to treat any child who suffers from asthma and is here to support that child's family.
“Mrs. Fallon Crawford, our new Respiratory Therapist began working in the Pediatric Health Center at the beginning of January 2020,” said Karen Luther, Director of NAM’s Pediatric Health Center. “Since that time, she has treated 123 asthma patients, 75% of which have improved their social and environmental determinants of health.”
Luther shared a story that highlights some of these improvements and the lengths the PHC will go to help a child and his family:
A father told Ms. Crawford that their apartment had mold and dust mites in the air vents after learning from her they are asthma triggers. His complaints regarding the poor sanitation were ignored by the landlord. He even tried to get out of the lease because this health threat was causing his son’s frequent doctor’s visits. Dr. DeYbarrondo, our pediatrician, wrote a letter to the landlord asking him to release the family from their lease due to the mold and dust mites jeopardizing the child’s health. The landlord agreed and that father has called the PHC “Life Savers.”
There is no cure for asthma, however, the symptoms can be controlled enabling children with asthma to live full lives. Managing asthma is the key.
To learn more about the PHC’s Asthma Awareness and Prevention Program download our booklet:
Children with Asthma - English Niños con asma - Spanish
NAM's Pediatric Health Center has been serving the community for nearly 25 years and offers high-quality medical care to children of all ages. NAM’s Pediatric Health Center is a value-based health center and not a volume-based health center. Your health and wellness are important to us. Please make an appointment for a consultation with our board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners. The center provides a full range of services, from preventative care to acute care.
We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid, CHIP and Superior. Families without insurance can purchase a three (3) visit club card for $100 or pay a sliding scale fee. High-quality, combined with affordability, places NAM's Pediatric Health Center among Houston's top-choice providers of pediatric care. Please contact the clinic for more information or to make an appointment. Ask our specialized clinic staff about applying for a Gold Card through Harris Health System if you do not have health insurance.