MEDICAL SURFARI: ALLERGY AND ASTHMA: SPRING IS IN THE AIR

What do allergies and asthma have in common? Both can cause airway constriction and difficulty breathing. Asthma and allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or socio-economic factors. Although asthma and allergies seem to be more common in children, they can occur for the first time at any age, or, in some cases, recur after many years of remission. The tendency to asthma and allergies seems to be hereditarily linked, although the exact genetic factors are not yet completely understood.

Allergies are immune reactions to foreign plant or animal proteins. These small proteins are called allergens and they are carried in the air and may land on the linings of the eyes or the nose, or they may be inhaled directly into the lungs, which may cause allergic symptoms. Depending on your degree of allergy, your symptoms may range from itchy, watery eyes to hives, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Asthma is a respiratory condition that is characterized by episodes of airflow obstruction in the bronchial tubes of the lungs. During an asthma episode, the bronchial tubes, which circulate air to and from the lungs, constrict as a result of spasms (called broncho spasms) and swelling bronchial tissue. Normal mucus in the lungs may block the constricted bronchial tubes, thereby trapping stale air. Breathing becomes exhausting and painful. Asthma attacks may produce wheezing, tightness in the chest, dry coughing, and an increased pulse rate.

Asthma and allergies are among the most common health problems, with as many as 50 million Americans afflicted with asthma, hay fever or other allergy related conditions. Allergies are extremely common --about 1 in 5 Americans suffer from them according to the National Institute of Health and nearly 1 out of 11 office visits to the doctor is for an allergic condition. There are hundreds of ordinary substances that can trigger allergic reactions. Some of the most common are plant pollens, molds and household dust mites. If your eyes water and you sneeze frequently, you probably have a sensitivity to one or more of these allergens, which can make you uncomfortable and may make you less productive at work, home or school as well. If you suspect that you have allergies, consult your physician for proper testing since many allergies can be effectively treated.

Asthma affects between 10 and 15 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of school and work absenteeism. It is the most reported reason for hospitalization of children and, although treatment can help prevent attacks and ease symptoms, and some patients outgrow the condition, asthma is a serious respiratory condition that kills up to 4,000 people in the United States annually. Allergies are the most common cause of asthma, however, they are only one of many common asthma triggers. Viral infections and sinus infections often precede the onset of an asthma attack. Emotional stress, medications, exercise, smoking, certain foods, pregnancy and very cold or humid weather conditions can trigger and episode of asthma.

Doctors check for asthma by administering a pulmonary function test that measures the patients ability to exhale. Far and away, most cases of asthma can be effectively treated by avoiding situations or conditions that are known to cause asthma attacks. Most asthma attacks respond well to medications (broncho-dilators) that open, or dilate, the bronchioles. Asthma is not something to take lightly -- severe attacks can be fatal. Seek emergency professional medical care if an asthma episode is accompanied by dizziness, itching of the ears, palms, genitals, or soles of the feet, hives, and a feeling of impending doom.

Effective management of asthma and allergies requires planning, skill and patience. Specialized treatment plans for your individual condition can often enable you to lead a life that is satisfying and relatively symptom-free.

World Wide Web Resources

Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Online

http://allergy.mcg.edu/

This site, maintained by allergists and their professional association, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, gives up-to-date, professional information for patients, physicians, health plan purchasers and the news media.

Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

http//:aaaai.org/

Sponsored through an unrestricted grant from Schering/KEY, this user friendly site answers your FAQs on asthma and allergy, and can assist you in locating an allergist in your area by visiting the Physician Referral System on this Web site or by calling (800) 822-2762.