Doctors Take AIM At Asthma With Education

Doctors take "AIM" at Asthma with education.

A new survey reveals most patients don't have the condition under control.

This comes as Chattanooga continues its climb up the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's list of the most challenging places for Asthmatics...ranking 4th this year.

A move to Chattanooga in 1990, took Diane Roberson's breath away

Diane Roberson, "I love Tennessee and it's beautiful this is one of the most beautiful states I've ever lived in."

Literally.

Roberson, "That's when I started wheezing and not being able to breathe at all I never had a problem with it before. It feels like you're suffocating and it's, yeah it's very scary to not be able to get your breath."

Monday, Doctor Russell Walker diagnosed her with Asthma.

He says she's among a growing number of people living with the chronic condition.

Dr. Russell Walker, "A lot of people walk around using their rescue inhaler all the time and they feel like their asthma is under control. That's not under control. Sure you feel ok when you use it but that's just kind of scraping by that's not really having good control of your asthma."

A new survey confirms it... adding the disease limits social activities, reduces job productivity, sends millions to the hospital and causes around 12 sick days per year for many sufferers.

Doctor Walker points out with the right medications and care from a specialist, it doesn't have to.

Dr. Walker, "It's not a scary thing if you're on the right medications. I treat children all the time who're able to play football and basketball you wouldn't know they were having asthma problems otherwise if they get the right treatment."

Even in Chattanooga, the 4th most challenging place for asthmatics.

Still, her diagnosis has Diane Roberson planning a move to Vermont.

Roberson, "I want to go somewhere where I can breathe and exercise and walk cause I really like doing that and I haven't been able to do it since I've been here."

Chattanooga rose 12 spots to reach number 4 this year.

It follows St. Louis, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Birmingham.

We have a link to the top 100 cities and the AIM survey.