Are You in Control of Your Asthma?

If you have asthma, you can determine if your symptoms are under control by taking a simple, five-question Asthma Control Test. The results of this test are meant to be discussed with your healthcare provider to determine whether you are doing well with your current treatment plan, or if any changes need to be made. The goal of any successful treatment plan is to make sure you are in control of your asthma - and not let your asthma control you! Click here to take the test!

To discuss the results of your test with an allergist, click here.

“Asthma” Isn’t Such a Scary Thing

As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers," and May is National Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month! As we mentioned in our last post, those with asthma may have more signs and symptoms around this time of year if they also have seasonal allergic rhinitis.

“Asthma” — does that word scare you? It shouldn’t. One of the most common respiratory conditions affecting people of all ages is asthma, and new diagnostic tests allow for early identification and treatment.  If a doctor diagnoses you with asthma, it does not mean you will become a respiratory cripple, unable to catch your breath or exercise again. Contrary to the common belief that asthma dictates your lifestyle, asthma is usually very controllable with proper and early treatment. In fact, many Olympic and professional athletes who have asthma continue to win gold medals and championships with well-controlled asthma.  The importance of identifying this reversible condition, which affects about 10% of the U.S. population, lies in the prevention of more persistent symptoms through early treatment.  

Common signs of asthma include:

•   frequent dry cough at night or in the early morning

•   cough with exercise

•   cough with laughter or talking

•   cough when eating cold foods or drinking cold liquids

•   chest tightness

•   feeling like you cannot take a full breath

•   pressure on the chest,  often described “like an elephant sitting on your chest”

•   wheezing (a squeaky or musical noise emitted from the chest when exhaling)

It is important to first identify the specific triggers that cause asthma symptoms.  Whether it is a respiratory infection, an allergy or exercise that is causing the symptoms, treatment can be adjusted to suit your specific needs. Three out of four children with asthma are likely to have allergies as a trigger. Controlling your environment and limiting your exposure to allergic triggers helps to reduce daily symptoms and need for multiple medications.  

Today, the diagnosis of asthma is not a sentence to lifelong debilitating lung disease. On the contrary, early diagnosis allows for prevention of bronchial inflammation that could otherwise worsen over time. So don’t be afraid to find out if you or your child has asthma. Come in for an evaluation, and we will partner with you to track down the cause and create an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Please call our office at (310) 371-1388 or click here to request an appointment today!

For more information on Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, visit the CDC or Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ! You can also visit our webpage South Bay Allergy and Asthma.

When Pollen Attacks: Ways to Protect Yourself This Allergy Season

For people without springtime allergies, pollen may seem pretty harmless. However, to those with seasonal allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as “hay fever,” it’s certainly nothing to sneeze at. Allergies to pollen can cause stuffy nose, sneezing, “drippiness” down the back of your throat, throat clearing, itchy, watery eyes, and even generalized tiredness. And if you have asthma, it can cause trouble breathing, coughing, and wheezing. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology provides some helpful tips to keep those symptoms under control. Click here to find out more!

And don't forget about all-year round indoor allergens, like dust mites, which can also trigger symptoms for allergic asthmatics. Watch our very own Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan on ABC-7 News with more tips to keep your allergy and asthma symptoms in check! 

 

Newly Approved Grass Allergy Tablet: The Pros and Cons

Check out this link from the ACAAI to learn more about the pros and cons of the new grass allergy tablet: 

http://www.acaai.org/allergist/news/New/Pages/AllergyTabletApprovalWarrantsCautionfor_Some.aspx

Humidity and Indoor Allergies

Check out this info from the AAAAI on indoor allergies and humidifiers! http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/humidifiers-and-indoor-allergies.aspx

Could you have allergic asthma?

Asthma is a chronic and serious lung disease. It causes swelling and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. Asthma has no cure. But most people with asthma can live active lives with the appropriate asthma treatment plan and an ongoing partnership with their doctor.  Read more about allergic asthma by clicking here.

Allergy-free Tips for the Holidays

Check out these great tips from the ACAAI for how to make sure allergies don't ruin your holidays! http://www.acaai.org/allergist/news/New/Pages/six-tips-for-holidays.aspx