Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Asthma Awareness Month

May is Asthma Awareness Month, in recognition of the 25 million Americans with the disease, including thousands of 9/11 first responders and survivors.

Individuals who were exposed to Ground Zero toxins in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 or during the 8 following months have a dramatically higher risk of developing 68 different types of cancer and many respiratory illnesses, such as asthma.

Barasch & McGarry represents nearly 7,000 members of the 9/11 community who have been diagnosed with asthma.

With asthma, the airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This condition often makes breathing difficult and results in coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when breathing out, as well as shortness of breath.

For some people with asthma, the disease interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

The risk factors for asthma include family history, viral respiratory infections, allergies, smoking, air pollution, obesity, and occupational exposures, according to the American Lung Association. 

Treatment generally involves long-term asthma control medications, for example inhaled corticosteroids (known as an inhaler) used regularly to prevent or reduce the severity of asthma attacks.

If you are diagnosed with asthma or any other 9/11-related cancers or respiratory illnesses, contact us to access resources through the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. 

Visit 911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.