Asthma diagnosis and treatment key

(CNN) - At least 22 million Americans have asthma. Many people do not know that they have it, or do not understand the seriousness of the condition. But Ashthma claims close to four thousand lives in this country every year.

Tamra Skahan's severe asthma means she spends a lot of time in the doctor’s office.

“There is never a time that I don't have inflammation of the bronchial tubes.”

Asthma is a chronic lung disease, and Skahan says because she ignored her symptoms, she is now dependent on a daily dose of steroids.

Asthma can be brought on by numerous environmental triggers such as airborne allergens like dust, mold or grasses. Also irritants such as air pollution or cigarette smoke, even viral infections.

Like many asthma patients the condition runs in Skahan's family. Her doctors say that seeking proper treatment sooner would have slowed the progression of Skahan's condition.

“Early recognition is critical. Because asthma is a condition that is chronic, its an inflammatory condition.”

“so, see your doctor if you're experiencing recurring episodes of coughing, wheezing, tightness in your chest or shortness of breath.”

We are very fortunate that we are living in a time when we have medications that allow us to control the inflammatory process that begets asthma.

There is no cure for asthma but seeking medical treatment is the first step to living a normal, active and long life.