May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
More than 65 million Americans overall have asthma and allergies. Some people may have one or both of these conditions.
These numbers paint a picture of how many people in the U.S. are managing asthma and allergies. But they don’t paint a picture of the overall impact these diseases have on people and communities.
May is peak season for people with asthma and allergies and a perfect time to highlight how all of us – parents, family, friends, co-workers and others – can focus on big and small ways that we can all better understand and better overcome the conditions so many need to manage.
Allergies Overview
Allergies
Allergies affect as many as 30% of adults and 40% of children in the U.S and occur when the body’s immune system recognizes a substance as harmful and overreacts to it.
The reaction can range from uncomfortable - such as watery eyes, a rash or hives, or sneezing – to serious and possibly life-threatening symptoms which require immediate medical attention, including swelling of airways, known as anaphylaxis. Common allergens include drugs or medicine, food, insect bites/stings, latex, mold, pets and pollen.
Doctors diagnose allergies by reviewing a patient’s medical history, doing a thorough medical exam, and running tests to identify specific allergens. Treatments are based on medical history and the type and severity of the symptoms.
Asthma Overview
Asthma
An allergic reaction to pollen can be one of many triggers for as asthma attack. Asthma is a chronic disease that affects more than 26 million Americans, including more than 6 million children, and causes your airways to become swollen or inflamed, making breathing difficult.
Other triggers include chemicals, extreme weather changes, smoke or dust, stress and exercise. Most treatment plans involve avoiding triggers, and doctors can prescribe a medication regimen as well as an Asthma Action Plan to help prevent asthma attacks and ease symptoms when they do occur.
Doctors diagnose asthma by conducting a physical exam and taking a detailed medical history. They will often do lung function tests and often perform chest or sinus x-rays. Many people live normal lives with asthma when they follow their treatment plans.
Asthma Overview
Asthma
An allergic reaction to pollen can be one of many triggers for as asthma attack. Asthma is a chronic disease that affects more than 26 million Americans, including more than 6 million children, and causes your airways to become swollen or inflamed, making breathing difficult.
Other triggers include chemicals, extreme weather changes, smoke or dust, stress and exercise. Most treatment plans involve avoiding triggers, and doctors can prescribe a medication regimen as well as an Asthma Action Plan to help prevent asthma attacks and ease symptoms when they do occur.
Doctors diagnose asthma by conducting a physical exam and taking a detailed medical history. They will often do lung function tests and often perform chest or sinus x-rays. Many people live normal lives with asthma when they follow their treatment plans.
What Can You Do About Allergies and Asthma?
In addition to prescribed medications, the best treatment for both asthma and allergy is to avoid triggers and allergens as much as possible.
Avoid Trigger Places
Stay away from environments that have smoke, dust, pollution or pollen.
Avoid Certain Foods
Don’t eat any foods that that have allergens such as nuts, seafood, eggs and dairy.
Be Aware
Be aware of medications and any other allergens (insect bites, latex, poison ivy) that could cause an allergic reaction in your body.
Knowing and Treating Your Early Warning Asthma Signs
Did you know you may be able to tell when an asthma episode or attack is about to start before you have trouble breathing? Knowing your early warning signs (or mild symptoms) can be helpful so you can begin asthma treatment as soon as possible.
Early warning signs are different for everyone and can vary for each asthma episode. But if you track your symptoms in an asthma diary, you may notice that you experience some of the same mild symptoms before an asthma episode occurs.
Contact your primary care physician to help you track these warning signs.