May marks Asthma Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide.

Throughout the month, efforts are made to educate the public about asthma and highlight the importance of proper management and control of this potentially life-threatening disease.

Asthma is a condition that impacts the lungs, leading to recurrent instances of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing, particularly during the night or early morning hours. Effective management of asthma involves medication intake and the avoidance of triggers that can provoke an attack. It's also crucial to eliminate environmental factors that may exacerbate asthma symptoms.

The National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, along with organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are actively involved in promoting asthma awareness and providing resources to support individuals living with asthma.

The Learn More Breathe Better® initiative by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers valuable resources and information on asthma management which can be found at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/LMBBasthma/asthma-awareness-month.

The CDC's National Center for Environmental Health is also also a great resource and provides an Asthma Awareness Toolkit to aid in raising awareness and understanding of asthma-related issues. Visit www.cdc.gov/asthma/ to find the toolkit along with other information.

The EPA also participates in Asthma Awareness Month, offering resources and information to help individuals better understand asthma triggers and how to minimize exposure to environmental factors that can exacerbate the condition. Visit www.epa.gov/asthma  o learn more.

Additionally, the American Lung Association plays a significant role in Asthma Awareness Month, providing support, education and advocacy for individuals affected by asthma. Find out more information about asthma and other lung diseases at www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases.

As Asthma Awareness Month unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of asthma education, advocacy, and support for those living with this chronic condition. By increasing awareness and understanding of asthma, communities can work together to improve asthma management, reduce asthma-related emergencies and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals with asthma.