Asthma - NYC Health

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Asthma

COVID-19 Vaccination

People with asthma should get a COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have clear contraindications. The flu vaccine is also recommended for people with asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It can affect both children and adults. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

During an asthma attack, the airways in your lungs get swollen and your chest feels tight. You may cough, wheeze or have trouble breathing. This happens when your lungs are exposed to a trigger, such as dust. The swelling in your lungs can occur slowly, and you may not realize it is happening.

In most cases, we don’t know what causes asthma. While there is no cure for asthma, the disease does not have to prevent you or your child from leading an active and healthy life.

Managing Asthma at School

Your school needs to know if your child has asthma. That way, your child can take advantage of health programs that will help keep their asthma under control. Submit an Asthma Medication Administration Form so your child can use their asthma medication at school.

NYC Public Schools: Asthma

Asthma and the Environment

Be aware of possible environmental triggers and how to avoid them. Triggers are different for everyone and can exist inside or outside of your home. Learn how you can get a free home assessment of indoor environmental triggers.

Childhood Asthma and Environmental Triggers (PDF)

Keep Homes Free of Mold and Pests: What Property Owners Must Do and Tenants Should Know (Local Law 55) (PDF)

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Community-Based Asthma Services

The following resources offer services for children with asthma:

The Office of School Health provides various services for children in school, including medicine administration and education.

The East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center has several programs that offer free counseling, education and other support services for children with asthma.

The Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center offers cost-free pest control services for eligible families.

The Healthy Neighborhoods Program provides free home assessments for children and adults diagnosed with persistent asthma by a health care provider. If staff find environmental asthma triggers or other home health hazards, they will work with property owners to correct the problems.

Additional Resources

Asthma Myths and Facts (PDF)
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Health Bulletin: Asthma (PDF)

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Asthma Flyer (PDF)
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Asthma Booklet (PDF)
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Asthma Triggers Fact Sheet (PDF)

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Medication Administration Form (Asthma)

Video: Action Kit Campaign
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More Information

Asthma: Information for Providers

Asthma: Data and Publications

Asthma: Doctor Visits

Asthma: Public Health Action Kit for Providers