Kristin Chenoweth Reveals Adult Asthma Diagnosis

Kristin Chenoweth is suffering from adult asthma.

For the last 10 years, Chenoweth has been secretly dealing with the career-affecting symptoms of her illness, but now, she's speaking out about her diagnosis and teaming up with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to spread awareness.

In a new interview, the Glee star is revealing what convinced her to finally go public with her health battle.

"I actually was diagnosed ten years ago as an adult with asthma," Chenoweth revealed in a March 4 interview with E! News. "Those people who know me, and some of my fans, know that I have an inner ear problem and a neck problem too and I was just like, 'Do I dare talk about having asthma as well?'"

"I've re-thought it, and I was very honored to team up with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America," she said. "The main focus is just bringing asthma awareness."

Along with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation Of America, Chenoweth hopes to encourage asthma sufferers to educate themselves on the disease, which affects nearly 25 million Americans and convince them to switch over to a dose counter inhaler.

A dose counter inhaler is just like the average inhaler, except that it has a counter on the back of it that lets users know when they are getting low on their medication.

When asthma sufferers don't have the needed medication to treat themselves, they are at risk of an asthma attack. With the counter, they always know when it's time for a refill, thus minimizing the chances of ending up in the emergency room.

"This is something that I'm actually proud to speak out about," the Broadway star continued. "I didn't know that two million Americans go to the E.R. every year for an asthma attack and these medications are here to help us."