NEW YORK, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- MS -- A new nationwide telephone survey of 1,001 asthma patients, conducted by AstraZeneca, found that while most patients with asthma understand the risks associated with uncontrolled asthma, they don't always act accordingly.

"This finding demonstrates a serious disconnect between the perceived consequences of uncontrolled asthma and the necessary steps people should take to achieve better control," explains Dr. Shailen Shah, an asthma expert with PA Allergy and Asthma Consultants. "Some people believe that asthma goes away when their symptoms do but asthma is a chronic disease. The good news is that with the appropriate treatment regimen, the inflammation that causes the symptoms may be properly managed."

Additionally, there are simple steps patients can take to avoid unnecessary complications, beginning with an open discussion with a physician and taking advantage of such free patient programs like My Measures For Success (www.JoinMeasuresToday.com), where patients choose the offerings they want, the way they want them, from a menu of free resources.

Understanding Asthma

People with asthma suffer from chronic lung inflammation, with symptoms ranging from coughing and wheezing to chest tightness and shortness of breath. Additionally, asthma triggers such as air pollution, smoke, pet dander, pollen and mold can set off an asthma episode.

"Some asthma triggers that people may not initially think of are seasonal weather changes and air pollution," says Shah. "If allergens like pollen or mold trigger your asthma, or you live in an area with smog, take simple steps to limit your exposure by signing up to receive daily air quality alerts or pollen counts -- delivered right to your phone or e-mail -- at www.JoinMeasuresTo'/>"/>