May is Asthma & Allergy Prevention Month!

Mile Bluff Medical Center celebrates May as allergy and asthma prevention month

by Amanda Emery

Two out of every ten Americans suffer with allergies, an abnormal immune system response to a usually harmless substance in the environment (such as pollen, mold, animal dander, etc.). People also have allergies to foods, medications, insects and latex. Allergies are categorized by the type of trigger, the season in which they occur or where symptoms appear on the body. While allergies can be different in type, many of the reactions are similar.

If someone is sensitive to a specific allergen and the body detects it, a reaction will occur. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Mild reactions

· rash

· itchy, watery eyes

· some congestion

· stays local to a part of the body

Moderate reactions

· itchiness

· difficulty breathing

· spreads to other parts of the body

Severe reaction (anaphylaxis)

· difficulty breathing and swallowing

· varying degrees of swelling

· abdominal pain

· cramps

· vomiting

· diarrhea

· mental confusion

· dizziness

· quick drop in blood pressure

These reactions can be caused by any form of allergies. In order to determine exactly what a person is sensitive to, tests need to be performed.

Allergy testing methods

· skin tests

· patch tests

· blood tests

Currently, there is no known cure for allergies. However, the key to leading a normal, comfortable life with them is prevention.

Common allergy prevention methods

· use a HEPA air filter

· remove all molds with diluted bleach solution

· run the exhaust fan when showering and/or cooking

· verify the clothes dryer is vented to the outside

· consider giving the cat or dog to a family member if animal dander triggers symptoms

· use an air conditioner to reduce indoor humidity and pollens

There are also medications and immunology therapies that can be used to control the symptoms of allergies. If you have allergies, discuss these and other options with your healthcare provider.

Allergies can be a trigger for another disease, asthma. This ailment affects an estimated 20 million children and adults, and remains poorly controlled among many. Each year, there are over 4,000 asthma-related deaths.

Asthma is a disease in which the airways become blocked or narrowed. It is categorized as a hereditary disease, so the proper question is not what causes asthma, but rather what causes symptoms to appear. People with asthma experience sensitive airways that react when they come into contact with triggers.

Common asthma triggers

· allergens: dust mites, pollen, pets, mold spores, foods and cockroaches

· infections: colds, flu, sinus infections (most common trigger for children)

· exercise: very common in children

· weather: cold air, changes in temperature

· tobacco smoke and air pollution

· dust or items causing dust

· strong odors from chemical products

· strong emotions: anxiety, crying, yelling or laughing hard

· medicines: aspirin, ibuprofen and beta blocker medications

Coming into contact with triggers usually produces asthma symptoms.

Common asthma symptoms

· frequent cough, especially at night

· shortness of breath

· wheezing

· chest tightness, pain or pressure

These symptoms can indicate asthma or other health problems. In order to determine they are indeed asthma-related, there are some simple tests that can be preformed.

Asthma testing methods

· chest X-ray

· lung function

· capacity of lungs

· sensitivity to methacholine, an irritant that tightens the airways

Along with these tests, a healthcare provider will review a person’s medical history, overall health and symptoms to make a final decision on treatment.

At this time there is no cure for asthma, but it can be treated and controlled. In most cases, people with asthma can live free of symptoms simply by following their treatment plan created with the help of their healthcare provider.

The key to allergy and asthma symptom prevention is proper management and patient education. Mile Bluff Medical Center is here to help by offering many services locally to help those with allergy and asthma symptoms.

Mile Bluff services available to those with allergies and asthma

· visiting allergy and asthma specialists

· respiratory therapy

· pulmonary function testing

· medicated breathing

For more information on these services, call 608-847-6161. Don’t suffer with allergies and asthma symptoms any longer! Let the healthcare team at Mile Bluff make your symptoms more manageable for you and your lifestyle!

Back to News & Events

Locations:

Elroy Family Medical Center

Necedah Family Medical Center

Delton Family Medical Center

Fair View Nursing Home

Crest View Nursing Home

Terrace Heights

Patient & Visitor Information For Patients

How to obtain your medical records

Advance Medical Directives

Employment