Asthma
Improving Asthma for Louisiana Residents
Asthma makes breathing difficult for millions of Louisiana adults and kids. There is no cure, but it can be managed and treated so you can live a normal, healthy life. Preventing asthma attacks and visits to the emergency room or hospital is more achievable with a good asthma management plan, available equipment such as inhalers, and medicine refills to control flare ups.
9.7%
percent of adults in Louisiana have asthma1
More than
94000
kids have asthma in Louisiana2
Black residents are
44%
more likely to have asthma than white residents2
Be Aware of the Air We Breathe
There are a number of environmental factors, some which can be controlled, both indoor and outdoor, that are known to trigger asthma symptoms. Common outdoor triggers for asthma are pollen, smoke, air pollution, particulates in air, and pesticides. Indoor triggers for asthma include mold, dust, secondhand smoke, pet dander, cockroaches and other pests, and strong smells or odors, for example, perfumes or chemicals.
WellSpot Designation
Well-Ahead works with organizations to help them implement wellness benchmarks in places where the community lives, works, learns, plays, and prays. This is a great step to creating cleaner air in our state.
Tobacco Cessation and Prevention
Our tobacco cessation and prevention programs and resources help to build a tobacco-free Louisiana so all our residents can breathe easier and enjoy fresh air.
Tobacco-Free Louisiana Coalition
Well-Ahead convenes organizations throughout Louisiana to align efforts and implement strategic planning, focused initiatives and outreach programs to reduce tobacco use in our state.
School Health
Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children. It is also one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. Well-Ahead connects schools to evidence-based resources to help them create safe and supportive learning environments for students with asthma.
State Office of Rural Health
Rural patients with asthma face difficult challenges including limited access to general medical care and to specialized and urgent medical services. Well-Ahead works to support rural communities and combat the disparities residents face.
Citations
1 https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_recent_data_states.htm
2 https://www.lung.org/research/trends-in-lung-disease/asthma-trends-brief/current-demographics