May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month! At Carthage Area Hospital, we’re doing our best to celebrate by sharing information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of these two diseases, which affect more than 22 million Americans. Knowing a little bit more about them can improve your healthcare.
Asthma
Asthma is one of the oldest documented diseases—Ancient Egyptians were writing about it as early 3000 BCE. It is an inflammatory lung disease with symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, and chest spasms when exposed to an irritant. No one is really sure what causes it, and there is no known cure.
Patient history and an airflow test are used to diagnose asthma. The airflow test, as well as many of the asthma treatments, can be performed by respiratory services.
Since there is no cure for asthma, healthcare involves limiting exposure to irritants and managing symptoms. Nebulizer therapy, a practice where patients breathe medication in the form of mist, has proven effective for many types of asthma.
Allergies
Allergies are an overreaction to irritants in the immune system. They share a lot in common with asthma—asthma is actually a type of allergy. People can be allergic to many different things, and their reactions to allergens can be just as diverse. Some common allergens are peanuts, shellfish, dogs, latex, and pollen. Symptoms of allergies include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, hives, and tightness in the chest.
Allergies are diagnosed by an antibodies test. Your healthcare physician will use either a physical reaction or the presence of antibodies in your blood to conclude that you are allergic to a certain irritant. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, treatment can begin. Nutritional services can be a big help in learning to avoid food-based allergens. Respiratory and therapy services can teach patients who have strong physical reactions how to manage their symptoms.
An allergy or asthma diagnosis might seem like a big obstacle, but it doesn’t have to prevent you from living your life. With the right guidance and simple healthcare, diagnosed patients can easily manage their symptoms. Spread the word about Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Contact us at Carthage Family Health Center for more information about these diseases.