Asthma

Pictures of Vermonters from State Action Plan.

Asthma is a serious chronic disease that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs, and can cause recurring attacks of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. In Vermont, about 67,000 people are known to have asthma. Nearly 13,000 of them are children.(Source: Healthy Vermonters 2020)

Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack.

People with asthma can lead healthy lives, and the Vermont Department of Health is committed to helping make this possible.

If you or someone you know has asthma, these tools and resources can help:

Zero Exposure to Secondhand Smoke
Living in a smoke-free environment is an important part of managing asthma. There is no safe exposure to tobacco smoke, especially for children.

Jessica's Story
Jessica’s son, Aden, was 3 years old when he was diagnosed with asthma. Although Jessica never smoked, many of Aden’s attacks were triggered by exposure to secondhand smoke.

Jessica’s mother, who watched Aden during the day while Jessica was at work, was a smoker. Unfortunately, Jessica didn’t know the connection between secondhand smoke exposure and asthma.

Learn more about Jessica's story and the importance of urging people to not smoke around your kids.

Contact Us

Vermont Asthma Program
Vermont Department of Health
108 Cherry Street, PO Box 70
Burlington, VT 05402
Tel: 802-951-0156
Email: Vermont Asthma Program

The Vermont Asthma Program is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Return to Top