Asthma rates on the rise

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - If you or a loved one is living with asthma, you know you know the toll it can take on a body--the coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Lafayette Allergy and Asthma Clinic's Dr. Ketan Sheth said people need to realize the scope of the problem.

"In 1990 there were about 10 million Americans with asthma. Most recently there were about 20 million. So, it has doubled over the last 20 years. It is projected to double again over the next 20 years and about a third of those are in kids," Sheth said.

Asthma can be triggered by allergies and the environment. However, not smoking may be the easiest way to prevent a child from developing asthma.

"The biggest thing people need to think about is not smoking around their child. That means don't smoke at home around your child, don't smoke with your child in the car. People can carry the smoke on their clothes," Sheth said.

Despite an asthma diagnosis, there are ways to help a patient get their symptoms in check.

"One of the goals we have for asthma therapy is that patients lead a completely normal life. They can be Olympic athletes and there are certainly many athletes that have asthma, they can perform in sports. They can do whatever they want to do despite their asthma," Sheth said.