The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) plans to help adults and children find out if asthma may be the cause of their chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Beginning this May, during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, the ACAAI will launch its 7th annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) will work with the ACAAI and local allergists to conduct free screenings at >350 locations across the United States.

Allergists, who are asthma specialists, will host the free screenings at shopping malls, health fairs, and civic centers. New for 2005 is a special focus on workplace screenings that will enable employers to provide free asthma screening for their employees. Part of the screening process includes a 20-question Life Quality Test for adults experiencing breathing problems. Participants under the age of 15 will take the Kids'Asthma Check that allows children to answer questions alone about any breathing problems. Parents with children up to age 8 can complete a different version of the test on their behalf.

The participants will also take a lung function test and meet with a physician to find out if a more thorough examination and diagnosis are needed. Individuals who already know they have asthma can speak with a specialist about their conditions and options for keeping symptoms under control. For more information, visit the ACAAI Web site at www.acaai.org, or call the AAFA at 800-7-ASTHMA (800-727-8462).