Taking Charge of Asthma and Allergies

IT WAS 4:00 WHEN I returned home from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with my two small children. My then-five year-old daughter, Brittany, was admitted to emergency care after what turned out to be an asthma attack complicated by pneumonia. Needless to say, those five hours sent my emotions into overdrive. Seeing my child lie helpless, hooked up to a machine caused my mind to race from worry to panic to fear.

I thought it was a cold. But her breathing became heavier and heavier. I felt so awful for waiting so long to take her to the hospital. But how was I to know? I was shocked when the doctor told me it was asthma. "Asthma? But no one in our family has ever had asthma," I said. Like my daughter, there are more than a million children in the U.S. who suffer from the chronic lung disease. But kids only account for 10% to 12% of all asthma sufferers. It can occur at any age, although it is more common in younger individuals (those under 40). The Asthma-Allergy Connection Since her first attack in 1999, we've learned a lot about asthma. It is a chronic lung disease that is frequently characterized by tightening of the chest wall, inflammation, wheezing, and increased mucus production in the airways. There are two types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic. It is not uncommon for the two to occur together. The skin allergy known as eczema, for instance, is often found in asthma sufferers. Acute asthma attacks can begin suddenly or occur several days after exposure to an asthma "trigger." The most common asthma triggers are: Outdoor allergens like grass, trees, and weed pollens Indoor allergens such as dust mites, molds, or animal dander Food allergens (most common in children under five) Exercise Smoke from cigarettes, fireplaces and wood-burning appliances Respiratory infections (colds, flu, bronchitis) Strong odors from perfumes and cleaning agents Cold air, changes in temperature and humidity Strong emotions (crying, yelling, anxiety, even hard laughing) Certain medications like aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Motrin, Advil) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Learning how to recognize the warning signs is one of the best things a person can do for their asthma-prone loved one. Being inexperienced with asthma, I failed to recognize the warning signs early enough and had to make three emergency trips to Cedars before I became asthma savvy. Learn to pay attention to wheezing (a whistling sound that indicates heavy breathing), flaring nostrils, or a deep, rapid intake of air near the collar bone. Doctors often advise treating ordinary colds as you would asthma. To do otherwise could be setting the patient up for a major attack. Myths About Allergies As if people with allergies don't have enough to worry about, there are a lot of misconceptions going around that complicate diagnosis and treatments. Because allergies can be complex and can come from a variety of sources, being informed is the best way to keep them under control. Here are a few myths according to the Discover Health Channel: Allergies are psychosomatic. Allergies are real, and in some cases, life-threatening Children outgrow allergies. Over time, children may outgrow allergies to cow's milk, eggs, wheat and soybean products. However, allergies to peanuts, treenuts, fish and shellfish can be lifelong. People who are allergic to pets are allergic to their fur. Allergens are found in a pet's skin and sometimes in its saliva and urine. Wearing gloves will protect you from poison ivy. The hidden villain here is not the leaves but an oily resin called urushiol that can get on clothing, gardening tools or dog's fur. People who are allergic to shellfish are allergic to the iodine they contain. Allergies to fish and shellfish are caused by the protein in them, not the iodine. Natural foods don't cause allergies. "Natural" foods such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts and wheat account for up to 90 percent of allergic reactions. Allergy shots don't work. Allergy shots have been shown to be effective against hay fever 85 percent of the time and insect venom 98 percent of the time. Moving to the Southwestern states will cure allergies. Moving to the Southwest may simply mean an exchange of ragweed for pollen-producing sagebrush or cottonwood. Keeping Allergies and Asthma Under Control Allergies can be controlled largely by controlling your environment. Keep pets outside or confined to carpet-free areas outside the bedroom, make sure your home is free of house mice and cockroaches. Air cleaners and filters for air conditioners should have HEPA filters to help remove particles and small indoor allergens. Avoid camping trips, outdoor chores and strenuous activity when pollen is at its peak, usually in the spring and early summer during morning hours. Investing in mattress and pillow covers can reduce dust mites (a major cause of allergies) up to 98 percent (Brittany used to itch at night. She stopped almost immediately when I put the covers on her bed). Remember dust mites thrive in environments that are dark and humid. Keeping allergens away requires constant work. The good news is that by taking the necessary precautions, asthma can be controlled. Our doctor, Richard Harris of Asthma & Allergy Specialists, started us on a preventive program that has really helped. Brittany's asthma is now controlled by daily doses of Zyrtek (syrup), Flovent (oral spray) and Nasonex (nasal spray). Prednisol, a low dosage steroid and Ibuterol, an oral spray, is kept for emergencies and administered at the first sign of wheezing for up to three days. Ibuterol can also be taken alone. Make sure your child knows how to use it when they are away. We also use a device called a peak flow meter. It measures how much and how quickly air is exhaled from the lungs. It can alert you to changes in your breathing and the onset of asthma symptoms, which also may help identify triggers. So far, so good. This year, she has managed to get through the entire winter without as much as a wheez. Having a nebulizer at home can bring quick relief and avoid costly trips to the hospital. When using this respiratory machine, it is important that the patient breathe as slowly and deeply as possible to allow the liquid Ibuterol to penetrate the lungs. The medicine can be inhaled either through the mouth or nose depending on the model. About half of children with asthma outgrow it by adolescence. But half of these children will develop symptoms again in their 30s or 40s. There is no way to predict when the symptoms may return or to whom. Knowing the warning signs and taking preventive medicines can help asthma and allergy sufferers lead a normal life