Thu
Jan 31 2008
01:26 am
We're #1!
By: Brian A.

Knoxville is the nation's asthma capital . . . again:

For the third time in five years, Knoxville has been ranked as the #1 Asthma Capital, a distinction it also had in the 2004 and 2005 rankings. The factors that have helped to lift Knoxville to the top spot again include higher than average annual pollen levels, high air pollution, lack of “100% smoke-free” laws, patient over-use of asthma rescue medications and other important factors.

It's good to be back on top.

Topics:
captainkona's picture

I knew it!

Submitted by captainkona on Thu, 2008/01/31 - 2:19am.

You guys have Asthma so bad I got it too. And I'm in Bristol.


"The mind is like a parachute, it only works when it's open."

Carole Borges's picture

While asthma can be a

Submitted by Carole Borges on Thu, 2008/01/31 - 8:38am.

While asthma can be a potentially deadly disease in children, parents have to be aware that there is a danger if doctors over-prescribe corticosteroid inhalants. (link...)

"The potential long-term toxicity of chronic corticosteroid use in children is unclear, but there have been concerns about the impact on child growth. However, most children with asthma eventually attain normal height, even after receiving moderate corticosteroid doses."

As Dr McLay points out: "Corticosteroids have revolutionised the treatment of asthma and probably saved many children's lives. But against a background of concern about the impact of long-term corticosteroid use, this study suggests that GPs should always consider the potential cumulative steroid burden for an atopic child."

As we have learned from all the recent recalls, just because a drug is approved by the FDA and prescribed by a doctor, it can still be dangerous or simply ineffective. Big PHARMA is hard at work pushing drug therapies on busy doctors, and trials are too often run by the drug companies themsleves.

Knoxville's evil air is dangerous and asthma can kill, but parents who might be scared about what affects their children might experiencing shouldn't panic. They should be aware that cortosteroid remedies do carry some risks, and they should be well-monitored by a physican. .

gonzone's picture

One Wonders

Submitted by gonzone on Thu, 2008/01/31 - 9:17am.

One wonders when the new license plates come out touting our #1 status.

But seriously, ratings such as these are not good for recruiting business or residents to our area. Not to mention the suffering of us who are already here.

Some days in the summer I won't even go biking because the air is so bad. And I need the exercise.

Factchecker's picture

Coal keeps the lights on!

Submitted by Factchecker on Thu, 2008/01/31 - 9:46am.

...especially in the medical buildings. Ever wondered whether the rest of the country has as thriving a medical industry as East Tennessee's?

gonzone's picture

Just found another #1!

Submitted by gonzone on Thu, 2008/01/31 - 10:31am.

Tennessee is also number one in bankruptcies!

Woohoo! Setting the example for the Southeast and the nation!

SammySkull's picture

awesome

Submitted by SammySkull on Thu, 2008/01/31 - 11:01pm.

we so kick ass!

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

TN Progressive

TN Politics

Knox TN Today

Local TV News

News Sentinel

    State News

    Wire Reports

    Lost Medicaid Funding

    To date, the failure to expand Medicaid/TennCare has cost the State of Tennessee ? in lost federal funding. (Source)

    Search and Archives