MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT/TNS) -- Asthma attacks routinely put 10,000 or more Tennesseans in the hospital each year. Spring pollen and other allergens impact the health of thousands more. The Tennessee Department of Health’s Dr. Michael Warren says that in spite of effective treatments, asthma is a serious problem in the state.
"We know that asthma can have severe and serious consequences, impacting people's ability to be in school or to work or participate in recreation activities. So it can be a very serious problem."
According to the state Department of Health, more than 11-percent of children in Tennessee have asthma, and seven-percent of adults have the disease. Warren adds that people with asthma should pay special attention to Tennessee air quality, especially in warmer months.
"Most cities now will do air-quality alerts. Being mindful if you're a person with asthma of what the air quality is in your community for that day can be really important. "
To prevent asthma attacks, experts recommend avoiding strong chemicals, odors and tobacco smoke.