People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at higher risk of developing severe respiratory symptoms if they contract a cold or the flu, and those with asthma account for about one-third of all people hospitalized with H1N1 flu. To help asthma and COPD patients and their caregivers learn more about what they can do this winter, Teva Respiratory today announced the launch of a new educational resource called www.FluandAsthma.com.

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"Being prepared for the cold and flu season is critical for people with asthma and COPD because even a minor respiratory infection can trigger or worsen symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, which can last for days or even weeks," says Erwin W. Gelfand, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colo. "In addition to getting their flu shots, there are things people with asthma and COPD can do to help protect themselves and their loved ones this winter."

For general information about asthma and COPD, as well as links to other cold and flu resources, visit www.FluandAsthma.com. The site also provides an asthma/COPD action plan, tips for getting through the cold and flu season, and key questions to ask your doctor, which patients can print and bring with them to check-ups to ensure they get the most out of each visit.

"The key is anticipation and prevention rather than reacting," adds Dr. Gelfand. "During cold and flu season, it is even more important that people with asthma or COPD take their long-term controller inhaler as prescribed by their physician to reduce airway inflammation even if they're not experiencing symptoms of cold or flu. They should also have a rescue medication such as albuterol with them at all times for quick relief of symptoms that may flare up. It's also a good idea to have an extra inhaler on hand just in case. During cold and flu season, the symptoms of asthma may appear, and require rapid medical attention."

Equally important is checking the expiration date on all inhalers, particularly rescue inhalers, so patients know their medications are ready to use when needed. People with asthma and COPD also need to know that not all inhalers are designed to have the same features. www.FluandAsthma.com includes information on key items those with asthma and COPD should consider when discussing treatment options with their doctor. For example, some albuterol inhalers expire in 12 months while others can be used for 24 months, allowing more time to use all 200 doses. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about which inhaler options best fit their treatment needs.

For more information on asthma, COPD and this year's cold and flu season, visit www.FluandAsthma.com.

About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic (long-term), treatable lung disease that causes inflammation and constriction of smooth muscle around the large and small airways (or bronchial tubes). When something sets off or triggers an asthma attack, like cold or flu, airways become inflamed and swollen, and the muscles around the airways tighten (bronchospasm). Symptoms of asthma include wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing that often occurs at night or early in the morning. Without appropriate treatment, asthma symptoms may become more severe and result in an asthma attack, which can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts in childhood. In the U.S., more than 22 million people are known to have asthma, including more than 6 million children. Each year in the U.S., asthma causes approximately 500,000 hospitalizations, 134 million days of restricted activity and 4,000 deaths.

About COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by damage to the lungs over many years, usually from smoking. COPD is often a combination of two diseases - chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms include daily cough, shortness of breath, excess sputum (mucus) production and wheezing.

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. The condition affects more than 12 million Americans and the number is on the rise. It is estimated that another 12 million may have COPD but not realize it.