Millions of Americans suffer from allergies, and for many of them, this is the worst time of year. Molds, pollens and other allergens are triggering the sneezing and sniffling that allergy sufferers know all too well.

In addition, 10 million Americans suffer from asthma, a condition often triggered by allergens, that claims almost 5,000 lives each year.

May 6 to 12 is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Week.

The number of asthma deaths has doubled in the past decade, possibly because of an increase in air pollution and because of a lack of understanding among asthmatics of how to control the condition. Most deaths can be prevented with proper care.

Asthma strikes people of any age, sex, race or economic status and anyone can develop the problem at any time.

An asthma attack is a sudden onset of labored or restricted breathing accompanied by wheezing and/or cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness. During a severe attack, breathing may even stop.

In addition to allergies, the causes of an asthma attack can be exercise, exposure to industrial products, upper respiratory infections and prescription or over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin.

A severe asthma attack may require hospitalization and a variety of intravenous medications to restore breathing. In most cases, an aerosol medication called a bronchodilator is sufficient to open the airways and relieve the attack.

With treatment of the underlying causes of asthma, most attacks can be prevented. For allergic asthma, the allergen or cause of the attack should be identified and avoided to every extent possible.

Allergists recommend that asthma sufferers:

Cover their noses and mouths before breathing cold air.

Avoid sitting directly in front of fans or air conditioners.

Avoid wearing perfumes.

Refrain from smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke.

Maintain as dust-free an environment as possible.

Learn to effectively deal with the stresses caused by asthma.

Stay physically fit.

Avoid exposure to air pollution or chemical pollutants.

Before exercising, take medication and/or other precautionary measures as prescribed by the allergist.

For more information about allergies and asthma, or to receive a list of board certified allergists in your area, call 1-800-842-7777 or contact Dr. Paul Shapero, 700 Mount Hope Ave., Bangor; telephone 947-8658.