The Lung Disease Support Group Inc. in Sudbury will attempt to educate the public about asthma on May 4, which is World Asthma Day. The Lung Disease Support Group Inc. (LDSG) is a local non-for-profit volunteer group whose mandate is support and education for those with lung disease and their families and the promotion of lung health in the community.

Asthma is a lung disease which affects both children and adults. Symptoms may include wheeze, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty moving air in and out of the lungs. Symptoms may occur during the day, with exercise, or at night, disturbing the patient's sleep. Symptoms may be "triggered" by allergic and non-allergic factors such as exercise, viral infection, strong smells and cigarette smoke.

“Treatment varies depending on the frequency and severity of symptoms," Karen Zalan, clinical leader of the Community Asthma Clinic of Sudbury Regional Hospital, in a press release. "For best possible control of asthma, patients need to be educated about their medications, how to use their inhalers properly, what 'triggers' their asthma, signs and symptoms and how to manage asthma worsening.”

On May 4, the Lung Disease Support Group Inc. will host a public education forum at the Holiday Inn on Regent St., featuring a visiting respirologist, Dr. Abraham Born, who will discuss asthma. An expert panel including Sudbury respirologist Dr. Gary Kivinen, and Karen Zalan, will answer questions.

Exhibitors will be in the solarium starting at 2 p.m., and lung testing will be available with a physician on site.  Appointments may be booked by calling 566-0005, ext. 103. The expert panel will convene from 3:00-4:00 p.m., and Born will give his presentation from 4:30-5:30 p.m.