Breathing can be difficult for nearly 25 million Americans because of chronic coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. These symptoms may be related to asthma. When asthma is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause asthma attacks that send frightened individuals to their local ERs.
Parkview helps adults and kids who are newly diagnosed with asthma and those who need support to effectively manage the disease. In many communities throughout northeast Indiana, Parkview nurses provide screening and education for school kids who have been diagnosed with asthma and their parents.
Available services
Asthma Call-back Program
Parkview helps people understand what triggers their asthma attacks and manage the disease with an Asthma Call-back Program.
Patients are often unaware they have asthma until a doctor makes the diagnosis during a hospital visit. The asthma program provides a series of phone calls by a Parkview asthma educator to check on an individual’s health status. When needed, educators make home visits as well to help minimize factors in the home that trigger the disease. The program can also help individuals receive medications at reduced cost.
For more information about asthma or the Asthma Call-back Program, call (260) 373-7995.
Breathe Well, Live Well
Parkview asthma educators offer the Breathe Well, Live Well program in Allen County. The program was developed by the American Lung Association to help adults learn to control their asthma symptoms.
Breathe Well, Live Well is presented to small groups in two educational sessions and follow up by telephone. Individuals who participate could expect to learn to:
- Identify early warning signs of an asthma episode
- Track symptoms
- Differentiate among asthma-control medicines
- Develop a written asthma action plan with the primary care provider
There is no cost to participate in Breathe Well, Live Well. The program is offered by Parkview as a community service. To register, please call (260) 373-7996.
Asthma triggers
Triggers in nature and inside the home, car, workplace or school can cause an asthma attack. Common triggers include:
- Tobacco smoke or second-hand smoke
- Dust and dust mites
- Furry or feathered animals
- Cockroaches
- Mold
- Pollen
- Air pollution
- Strong odors
- Changes in weather
- Exercise
- Food allergies
- Colds and viruses
- Acute stress
- Extreme emotions (crying, laughing or yelling)