Asthma Screening Offered October 29

BRIDGEPORT — St Vincent’s Medical Center is sponsoring a walk-in asthma screening for the community on Monday, October 29, from 12 to 3 pm, in the main lobby of the hospital, 2800 Main Street. The event, which is free and open to the general public, both adults and children, will help individuals in the community become aware that they may be suffering from undetected asthma.

Individuals suffering from symptoms such as persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, nasal allergies, or who possess a family history of asthma, are recommended to attend the asthma screening.

Kevin McGrath, MD, a Fairfield allergist on active staff in St Vincent’s Division of Allergy and Immunology, says, “Forty percent of adult asthmatics in the United States go undetected. Through this screening, we hope to identify individuals who may have asthma, and have them seek further evaluation.” Dr McGrath is a specialist in adult and pediatric allergy and asthma. One of America’s most common and expensive health problems, asthma is a disease that affects 17 million nationwide and that kills 5,000 Americans every year, according to Dr McGrath.

In the screening process, participants will complete a questionnaire to help the asthma specialists on staff determine if it is likely the individuals have asthma and require further evaluation and care.

The second part of the screening consists of a pulmonary function test, where participants blow into a peak flow meter, at the direction of St Vincent’s pulmonary function technologists, to help determine the degree of airway constriction.    

Dr McGrath will discuss pulmonary function test results with each participant. Those showing signs of asthma will be given a note of recommendation to send to a doctor.

 Also helping to coordinate the event is Maureen Parmelee, RRT, director of Respiratory Care Services at St Vincent’s. Registered respiratory therapists from St Vincent’s will staff the screening.

A video and materials on asthma and allergy will also be available.

The asthma screening is on a walk-in basis. No appointment is necessary. For more information, contact St Vincent’s toll-free Care Line at 877-255-SVHS (7847).