May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Conditions like asthma and most allergies have no cure and must be managed daily. The effects of asthma and allergies can range from mild to severe and even fatal. Numbers from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America show that:

• Roughly 25 million Americans have asthma
• Roughly 32 million Americans have some kind of food allergy
• Roughly 24 million Americans have rhinitis or nasal allergies

The impact of asthma and allergies

Every year, asthma leads to more than 1.6 million emergency room visits and 170,000 stays in the hospital. Those numbers don't account for the families, loved ones, and communities also affected by someone's condition. A person with asthma must remain aware of the many possible elements that can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma triggers include, but are not limited to:

• Secondhand smoke
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pets
• Outdoor air pollution
• Wildfire smoke
• Wood smoke
• Chemical irritants

The changing of the seasons can often carry more allergens into the environment making asthma and allergies more difficult to manage. It can increase wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and trigger severe asthma attacks.

Resources on controlling asthma and raising awareness about asthma

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a library of resources on managing asthma and learning more about it. They have resources on Asthma Basics, Forming a Personal Asthma Action Plan, Controlling Asthma in Schools, and more.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute also has resources for helping people recognize asthma and seek treatment earlier. You can view their publications, infographics, videos, and social media resources. Use these resources to not only help yourself, but also to inform others and raise awareness.

What does WPS offer for people with asthma?

Propeller, from Express Scripts Pulmonary Care Program, is a sensor you can attach to your inhaler to monitor its use. It can identify trends in how often and when you use the inhaler. Then, it can send tips on helping you breathe easier based on your asthma symptoms and trends in your condition. Along with monitoring your use, it generates detailed usage reports you can share with your doctor to help determine the best treatment plan.

Propeller Express Scripts Pulmonary Care Program is available to our WPS Health Insurance¹ and WPS Health Plan customers. For more information about your coverage and Propeller, call the customer service number on your ID card to see if this program applies to you. Here's to better well-being and healthy living!

(This material is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about this or any other subjects pertinent to your health.)

¹Not available with Medicare supplement insurance plans.

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