Asthma Should be Taken Seriously by College Students

Difficulty breathing, especially in the hot South Florida climate, can be a serious issue for college students who suffer from asthma. While many students will already know if they suffer from asthma, there are times when it develops later in life. Asthma, a chronic disease that inflames and narrows the airways, impacts over 44 million people in the United States. Common symptoms of Asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, especially at night or early morning, and chest tightness.

Monitoring symptoms and avoiding triggers are essential. Students should manage their asthma by using their prescribed inhaler with bronchodilators and corticosteroids. You can also avoid allergens and irritants and exercise regularly to improve lung function.

Providers at Florida Atlantic’s Student Health Services Clinic can help students manage their asthma so they can experience everything college in South Florida has to offer. Tamara Smith, a Registered Nurse at the clinic, recommends that students, “Keep rescue and controller inhalers on you at all times and monitor symptoms and triggers regularly.”

Using dust-proof bedding, HEPA filters, and routine cleaning can help students maintain a clean living space, reducing the number of allergens and irritants.

It is also important that students who have asthma inform roommates, RAs, and faculty of their condition and how to respond in emergencies. Controller meds should not be skipped, and students should avoid smoking, vaping, and being in high-pollen environments.

Our providers at Florida Atlantic’s Student Health Services Clinic can help students manage their asthma, monitor their asthma with pulmonary function tests, and assist students in quitting smoking. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment at Florida Atlantic’s Student Health Services by visiting https://shs-portal.fau.edu or calling or visiting one of our clinic locations:

Boca Raton Clinic 561-297-3512

2nd Floor Across from the Food Court, SS-8W, Room 240

 

Davie Clinic 954-236-1556

Student Union, SD Room 206

 

 Jupiter Campus 561-799-8678

Student Resources Building, SR Room 106