Fear of Steroids?

Be rational about fear of steroids:  If you have asthma, and have concerns about using any type of steroid medications, remember to look at both the risks and benefits of all options.  

INHALED STEROIDS:  These are the safest form of steroid anti-inflammatory treatment for the airways.  It would take massive doses of these to equal even one day of oral steroid (Prednisone or Medrol) therapy.  Use these preventatively to avoid having to use the more potent oral therapy that can lead to undesirable side effects. 

UNCONTROLLED ASTHMA:  Irrational fear of steroid therapy of any kind, including inhaled corticosteroids, often leads to uncontrolled asthma.  Side effects of uncontrolled asthma?  Stunted growth -- the very thing many people worry about with steroid use is much more likely to be due to uncontrolled asthma itself.  Also, a loss of ability to respond to medications in the long run due to changes in the airway lining, and gradual loss of lung function.  Not a good trade. 

Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dose of asthma medications needed in your specific case to prevent these side effects of asthma.  

Unexpected Allergy Source: Pet Hangouts

Pet allergies are common, but your pet's fur is not the only allergen. The real problem is proteins found in pet saliva, urine, and dander -- dead skin cells that become airborne and settle on carpets, furniture, and bedding. Pet hair can still be to blame because it can collect dander and other allergens like dust and pollen.

Keeping your pet out of your bedroom is only partially helpful, because airflow can carry pet allergens throughout the home.

Tips:

• Clean and damp-mop (or "Swiffer") floors frequently
• Keep pets off carpeting
• Wash your hands after playing with your pet
• Wash your dog or cat every week or two
• Wash your pet's bedding frequently 
• Keep pet-hair contaminated clothes out of your bedroom and off your bed!

Unexpected Allergy Source: Potted Plants

Take a good look at your houseplants. Mold spores can grow in the pots and spread to the floor. To minimize this, remove dead leaves, use saucers, and avoid over-watering.

Quiz: Do You Know the Facts on Allergies?

Here is a great quiz offered by WebMD.  How well do you know the facts on allergies?  Click here to take the quiz

Unexpected Allergy Source: Books

Your food for thought may also be food for pests. Book dust harbors dust mites, mold spores, and tiny critters called booklice.

If you find that handling your books triggers your allergies, try vacuuming their surfaces regularly or storing the books in a closed container. Decreasing the indoor humidity and removing mold as a food source will also help curb the number of booklice.

Now that e-Readers are becoming more available and popular, this is a great option for the dust mite allergic avid reader!

Santa Ana winds are coming our way

Hot dry Santa Ana winds are predicted in the next couple of days.  If you are pollen allergic or have asthma, keep those windows closed, and make sure to take any preventative medications such as antihistamines or your asthma controller medications that you have been prescribed.   All medications for allergy and asthma work better when used early!

Adult Onset of Asthma

Many people develop asthma in childhood. However, asthma symptoms can develop at any time in one's life.

Signs and Symptoms of Adult Onset Asthma:

• dry cough (especially at night or in response to "triggers")
• tightness or pressure in the chest
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing when exhaling (whistling sound)
• shortness of breath after exercising
• colds that go to the chest for more than 10 days

Diagnosis of Adult Onset Asthma:

• Your physician will: question you about your symptoms, do a physical exam, conduct lung function tests, and possibly preform an allergy test
• If you have any asthma symptoms, don't ignore them or try to treat them yourself

Managing Adult Onset Asthma:

• Learn and stay up to date
• Take prescribed medications
• Visit your doctor regularly for in-office tests. These tests are painless and provide valuable data that help your physician make adjustments in your medications.
• Make a plan that will establish guidelines that tell you what to do if your asthma symptoms get worse

Controlling Asthma Symptoms:

If your asthma symptoms are caused by allergies, take steps to control known or potential triggers in your environment.

• Allergy proof your house for dust, mold, cockroaches, and other common indoor allergens in which you are allergic
• Reduce outdoor activities when pollen counts are high
• Choose foods that do not contribute to your asthma or allergy symptoms
• Evaluate your workplace for possible allergens, and take the necessary steps to reduce your exposure to them.

Coping with Allergies and Asthma May/June 2011. Adult Onset of Asthma.