Premier HealthNet Advocates Asthma, Allergy Prevention As Spring Approaches

Online, April 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Spring is around the corner and with it can come discomfort and anxiety for asthma and seasonal allergy sufferers. Premier HealthNet, one of the largest primary care networks in Southwest Ohio, wants to remind individuals suffering from asthma or seasonal allergies to be proactive as spring approaches and take the necessary steps to prevent asthma attacks and allergy flare-ups.

"Individuals who suffer from asthma and seasonal allergies, but don't manage them effectively, negatively impact their quality of life," said Dr. Anne Reitz of Samaritan North Family Physicians in Englewood and a part of the Premier HealthNet network. "Poorly-controlled asthma and allergies can lead to chronic lung changes, severe asthma attacks, hospitalization or even death."

Asthma is an inflammation of the air passages that temporarily narrows the airways that transport air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), an estimated 20 million Americans suffer from asthma and more than 50 percent of asthma cases are "allergic-asthma," which is characterized by symptoms that are triggered by an allergic reaction.

The AAFA also states that asthma is a genetic disease and, although it cannot be prevented, individuals should avoid triggers that can cause an asthma attack. Some of these potential triggers include allergens such as tree, grass and weed pollen, air irritants and sudden changes in weather. Symptoms of an asthma attack are very distinct and usually include shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing due to closing or obstruction of the airways from swelling and inflammation, mucous clogging the airway or bronchospasms, which are tightening of muscles around the airway.

Allergies, on the other hand, the AAFA says, are not solely a genetically-acquired disease. The ability to become allergic is an inherited characteristic, but an individual must be exposed to those specific allergens to which there's a genetically programmed response. According to the National Academy on an Aging Society, allergies is the fifth leading chronic disease for adults and a major cause of work absenteeism. Typical symptoms of seasonal allergies might include itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and throat irritation.

"The best method for preventing asthma attacks and seasonal allergies is to know what your triggers are and take the necessary preventive steps to avoid them," said Reitz. "Allergy prevention steps at home, such as vacuuming, cleaning air filters and using the air conditioning, can, in turn, help people manage their asthma."

There are a number of medications and treatment options for asthma and allergies. Long term controllers as well as short-term relievers are used to treat asthma effectively. Treatment of both asthma and seasonal allergies can be dependent upon the severity of a patient's condition. Individuals should visit their primary care physician with questions and concerns regarding asthma and allergy symptoms, and before taking any over-the-counter medications.

"While there are a lot of over-the-counter medicines available for treating allergy symptoms, individuals still need to know when to consult a physician," said Reitz. "Patients should keep track of both asthma and allergy symptoms and work with their physician to develop action plans for immediate and long-term treatments."