Asthma PSA Reinforces Prevention of Asthma Symptoms

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's Message to Millions With Asthma is to Manage Asthma By Treating Both Main Causes: Airway Constriction and Inflammation - Most Medicines Only Treat One Cause. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is launching a national public service announcement (PSA) supported by GlaxoSmithKline titled "Two Main Causes of Asthma." The PSA goal is to communicate an important message to the millions of Americans with asthma: that treating the two main causes of asthma symptoms may help prevent symptoms before they begin. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness. The PSA features two cyclists riding on a tandem bicycle representative of the two main causes of asthma symptoms. When the lead cyclist pedals solo she struggles but when the second cyclist begins to peddle, the journey becomes much easier. Their ride together is symbolic of managing asthma more effectively by treating both main causes of asthma symptoms when one medicine is not enough to prevent symptoms. The PSA encourages the millions of people suffering from asthma to find information and resources about asthma and learn how to work with their doctor to help prevent asthma symptoms at asthma.com. According to AAFA, every day in America because of asthma, 60,000 people miss school or work, 30,000 have an attack, 5,000 visit the emergency room and 1,000 get admitted to the hospital. Asthma in America isn't merely a problem but it's nearly an epidemic. About AAFA The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the leading national nonprofit organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information, conducts educational programs, fights for patients' rights, and funds research to find better treatments and cures. Log on to www.aafa.org for more information. Funding and editorial support for the PSA was provided by GlaxoSmithKline.