The Kings County Asthma Coalition is a volunteer non-profit
organization that comprises a variety of local health professionals
and the general public. The coalition endeavors to provide public education
services for persons in Kings County related to asthma management and
asthma awareness. Asthma is a condition that affects a person's airways,
which are also called breathing tubes or bronchial tubes. These tubes
lead from the windpipe, or trachea, into the lungs.
For most children, breathing is simple: They breathe
air in and out through their noses or mouths and into the lungs without
a problem. But for kids with asthma, breathing can be a lot more difficult
because their airways are very sensitive. Asthma affects a person's
ability to breathe comfortably. In a person with asthma, air has a difficult
time getting out of the lungs because the airway is tight and narrow.
In the event of an asthma flare-up, which is also call an "asthma
attack," a person with asthma develops lungs that are red and swollen
and have extra mucus. The muscles around the airways tighten, and it
becomes difficult for air to get in and even harder for air to get out
of the lungs.
During an asthma attack, the following symptoms may
develop: shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
If this happens, that person needs immediate help. If those symptoms
are not treated immediately, the asthma attack can be fatal. One of
the goals as a coalition is to increase awareness in our community through
educational activities. Providing incentives helps us bring the community
together and learn about current asthma triggers and treatment.
The coalition uses educational opportunities to provide
the general public with the following:
-
Current best practices for asthma
medications
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Information on how to be proactive
with asthma care
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An understanding the Air Quality
Index (AQI)
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How air pollution could impact
asthma
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An open forum with healthcare
providers
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Contact information and access
to the American Lung Association programs and resources
Another goal of the coalition is to increase awareness
in our community through educational outreach activities. We recognize
that events such as these require the collaboration of our partners
which in the past have included, the Baz Allergy and Sinus Asthma Centers,
Kings County Tobacco Control, the Kings County First Five Children &
Families Commission, Kings County Department of Public Health, Adventist
Health, the American Lung Association of Central California, and most
importantly, community volunteers. Membership in this organization is
open to all who are interested in asthma education and awareness in
Kings County.
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