Allergies/Asthma

Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies or diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction to irritants known as allergens. The weather, foods, drinks, insects and latex are all common causes of allergies.

The effects of allergies depend on which of these allergens trigger discomfort, but symptoms can range from nasal stuffiness and sneezing to eye or skin inflammation and itching.

Avoiding allergens is the best treatment, but when that isn’t possible, medications such as antihistamines and decongestants help to ease symptoms. For severe cases, allergy shots, or immunotherapy, is given to reduce the effects of allergies over time. A doctor can help you determine your most effective treatment plan by discussing your medical history and administering a physical exam, as well as allergy tests.

For some individuals, allergies can also lead to asthma, which affects 20 million adults and children in the U.S. In asthmatic patients, the windpipes that carry air in and out of the lungs become easily inflamed, and as a result, narrowed.

Like allergies, asthma tends to run in the family, but different triggers affect different individuals. Infections, exercise, seasonal changes, tobacco smoke, and allergens, such as dust, mites, pollen, pets, mold and food, as well as strong odors and emotions, can all lead to an episode. Wheezing, chest tightness or pain, and shortness of breath characterize these attacks. And while asthma cannot be cured, with proper medical care it can be controlled.

Long-term controllers taken regularly help to manage asthma, while quick reliever medications are used to ease the onset of symptoms during an attack. A medical professional can also help you develop a management plan in an attempt to avoid these asthmatic episodes before they even begin. It is important to identify and minimize triggers, to recognize the warning signs of an attack and to know what to do when symptoms are worsening. By taking these precautions, asthma patients can lead healthy, active lives.

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