AstraZeneca encourages asthma awareness

WILMINGTON, Del. — Drug maker AstraZeneca is encouraging patients with asthma to control their disease and learn about how it may be affecting their lives as part of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, which takes place in May.

"It is important for patients with asthma to gain control of their symptoms on an ongoing basis, allowing them to live their lives with fewer interruptions — asthma doesn't have to limit their daily activities," AstraZeneca medical affairs executive Frank Trudo said. "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is an opportune time for patients with asthma to work with their healthcare providers, re-examine asthma triggers and symptoms, to determine if their asthma is under control and their lungs are functioning optimally."

The drug maker noted that the disease affects about 25 million Americans and accounts for more than 3,300 deaths each year.