DAPHNE, Ala. — May is the American Lung Association of Alabama’s Asthma Awareness Month. The disease affects 20 million Americans and 345,000 Alabamians; it’s not curable, but it can be managed, according to a news release.

“It can be a progressive problem; it can start with a simple runny nose,” Dr. Leonard Caputo, medical director of the Asthma and Allergy Institute at Thomas Medical Center, said, referring to asthma symptoms.

Awareness of the disease — and its symptoms — is important because serious problems can be avoided when the disease is detected early, according to Caputo.

Asthma is an inflammation of airway tubes in the lungs. Airborne irritants cause the tubes’ walls to swell, making the passage of air difficult.

“Normal lung functions decline every year as we get older, but those with asthma have a faster decline,” Caputo said.

Here on the Gulf Coast, a variety of allergens may cause a reaction, Caputo said. They include pollen, grass, pecan trees, oak trees, privet hedges, dust mites and mold.

“It’s a mixed bag,” he said. “Dust mites are a problem because of the humidity and heat … mold, because it’s damp here.”

But we have fewer of some irritants than do other places.

We have less ragweed than the North and central states, Caputo said. The warm climate is beneficial because “cold leads to viral and bacterial infection,” he said.

Smoke and pet dander lack geographical ties and often cause irritation, but there are exceptions.

More people have reactions to cats than they do dogs, he said.

Also, exposure is a factor. If asthma suddenly becomes a problem in a household that has had a pet, chances are, the pet’s not the problem. But if a new pet coincides with respiratory problems — the cat, or dog, might be the cause.

Why do irritants affect people differently?

Asthma is passed on genetically, Caputo said. Those born with sensitivity to certain materials will have a reaction when those materials are present.

Many behaviors can be the body’s warning of irritant exposure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, trouble sleeping, trouble taking in deep breaths and trouble exercising, he said.

“There’s often wheezing, but you don’t have to wheeze to have asthma,” he said.

The responses can be controlled with exams and medications, Caputo said.

“We have fancy lung function devices in the offices and people can use peak flow meters at home to follow their progress. We can see how well it is controlled at home …. With treatment, they won’t have episodes,” he said.

Caputo also recommended that people 12 and older take the American Lung Association’s Asthma Control Test. It comprises five questions about symptoms and daily life, rated on a scale of one to five.

Options are available for asthmatics. Support groups for adults and Camp Wheeze-Away — an annual, week-long outing for Alabama children 8–12 — are available.

For more information about asthma, support groups or to take the Asthma Control Test, visit lungusa.org.