Allergic diseases now affect one in six AmericansForty to fifty million Americans suffer from allergies and asthma, with 14 to
15 million people (about 6 percent of the population) and 4 million children
affected by asthma alone.
Allergic diseases are triggered by factors called allergens, such as
animals or foods, and can affect any part of a system in the body or the entire body.
Allergic asthma can be triggered by pollen, mold, animal dander,
house dust and dust mites, cockroaches and certain foods. But asthma can also have
non-allergic causes such as viral infections, sinusitis, irritants (strong odors,
chemicals, changes in weather, smokes...), exercise, anxiety or nervous stress, and even
aspirin.
Too many people affected don't realize that allergy and asthma are
treatable diseases. According to new guidelines issued by the National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute expert panel on asthma, early detection of asthma and patient education
are essential to an effective management of the condition.
5 Tips for a better care of your Asthma
Use a spacer device, a plastic chamber that attaches to standard asthma inhalers that
delivers medication more effectively
Do not overuse inhaled bronchodilators
If you require asthma medicine every day, make sure that one of your medicines is an
anti-inflammatory
Ask your doctor if you should monitor your breathing function daily at home to help detect
early worsening
Work together with your doctor to create a care plan that covers the steps to take in case
of an asthma attack. |
