May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness month.
Asthma prevalence in the United States is at an all-time high, with 26 million people – including 7 million children – suffering from the disease. However, with the right measures in place, people can control their asthma and reduce or stop their symptoms.
No one wants to end up in an emergency room or hospital bed because their asthma symptoms aren’t controlled and they can’t breathe. Unfortunately, hospital visits are all too common for asthma sufferers. Not only is uncontrolled asthma more dangerous, it’s more costly.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, asthma care provided by an allergist is associated with better patient outcomes across a range of important markers. Compared to care by generalists, patients receiving care from an allergist have fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, higher ratings for quality of care and fewer restrictions in activities and improved physical functioning.
Individuals who control their asthma can improve their overall health. Controlled asthma means no or fewer symptoms, being able to participate in activities – including exercise, and less need for quick-relief medications.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can reduce sensitivity to the allergens that trigger asthma attacks and significantly reduce the severity of the disease. It may even prevent the development of asthma in some children with seasonal allergies.
Asthma is a complex disease and exists in a variety of forms, including allergic asthma, exercise-induced asthma and work-related asthma. Each type can have different symptoms and triggers, and each requires a different approach to diagnosis and treatment.
The allergists at ENT and Allergy Specialists are specifically trained to diagnose, and develop specialized care plans for every type of asthma, based on an individual’s unique triggers and symptoms. Partnering with patients ensures proper use of long-term controller medications and avoids over-reliance on quick-relief medications.
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