Asthma Education
Skip Navigation LinksCMS » Departments » Coordinated School Health » Asthma Education » Asthma Facts
Mobile Navigation
Asthma Facts
What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic inflammatory (swelling) disease of the airways that causes frequent difficult periods of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. Asthma can be difficult to diagnose and to differentiate from other respiratory illnesses.

Is there a cure for asthma? No, but it can be controlled. Students with asthma should be able to live healthy active lives with few symptoms.

Can a person die from asthma? Yes. Nearly 4,000 Americans died of asthma in 2005. Some of those deaths could have been prevented with proper management and care.

Can asthma be managed/controlled? Yes, Asthma can be managed/controlled by doing the following:                                                                                      

  • Seeing your doctor regularly,
  • Taking doctor prescribe medication as directed
  • Knowing your peak flow and symptoms
  • Having an Asthma Action Plan (AAP) knowing what triggers your asthma, and staying away from asthma triggers.

How do you get asthma?

  • Some people are born with asthma
  • Asthma may be genetic ( parent and child both have asthma)
  • Environmental exposures.
  • Being exposed to secondhand smoke.

 What triggers asthma? Asthma triggers are things that make your asthma worse and everyone has different triggers.                    

Common triggers are: 

  • Dust mites
  • Cock roaches
  • Plants/ flowers
  • Mold
  • Dogs/ Cats
  • Tobacco smoke
 Can you out grow asthma? Few people outgrow asthma.  Asthma is a chronic disease and most people who have asthma will have it all their lives.  While there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled by taking the asthma medicines your doctor prescribes and seeing your primary care physician regularly. 
P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, NC 28230-0035
Phone: 980-343-3000
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools website (www.cms.k12.nc.us) is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any website accessibility concerns may be brought via the following, Email the Web Accessibility Team at WebAccessibility or Call: 980.343.0115. In compliance with Federal Law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, may be referred to the District's Title IX Coordinator at titleixcoordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education.
Report a website problem Report a website problem