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Understanding Asthma and Allergies: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Learn about asthma and allergies, including triggers, symptoms, medications like nebulizers and Singulair, preventative measures like washing bedding and avoiding smoking, as well as types and treatments of allergies. Discover the difference between allergy, common cold, and sinus infection, and obtain valuable tips to manage them effectively.

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Understanding Asthma and Allergies: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

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  1. Sneezy and Wheezy Steven Hartland, PA-C Scottsdale Healthcare Occupational Health June 21, 2010 RIO SALADO COLLEGE WELLNESS WORKSHOP

  2. Asthma Definition: A chronic inflammation of the airways.

  3. INTERMITTENT: Symptoms less than 2 days a week MILD: Symptoms more than 2 days a week, but not daily, uses MDI at least 2 days a week MODERATE: Symptoms Every day, uses MDI every day SEVERE: Symptoms throughout The day, uses MDI all day

  4. Triggers can include allergies-temperature changes, especially cold; exercise; viruses; air pollution/dust; perfumes; chemicals; and some medications (ASA). CIGARETTE SMOKE!

  5. SYMPTOMS Most Common- Wheezing and shortness of breath? COUGHING

  6. Symptoms are often worse at night!

  7. TREATMENT

  8. MEDICATIONS • Breathing Machines: Nebulizers; “SVN” • Short acting beta 2 agonist: Albuterol, Xopenex MDI e.g. • Long acting beta 2 agonists: Serevent, e.g. • Inhaled steroids: Azmacort, Flovent, e.g. • Inhaled antiinflammatories: Tilade, e.g. • Anticholinergic agents: Atrovent, e.g.

  9. MEDICATIONS • Leukotriene antagonists: Singulair, e.g. • Systemic steroids: prednisone, e.g. • Combinations: -Advair: Steroid + long acting beta 2 agonist (Flovent + Serevent), e.g. -Combivent, Duoneb: Short acting beta 2 agonist + anticholinergic (Albuterol + Atrovent), e.g.

  10. MEDICATIONS • Symbicort: Inhaled steroid + long acting beta 2 agonists • Others: -Brethine, Maxair (a form of albuterol) -Spiriva (a type of anticholinergic) -Xolair (for asthmatics with severe allergies) -Xopenex (“single isomer” albuterol) -Theophylline (one of the older asthma medications; rarely used now)

  11. PREVENTION • Wash bedding often • Avoid down comforters, etc. • Try to buy washable stuffed animals • Use blinds instead of curtains • Wood/tile floors instead of carpet • Pets ???? • No smoking in the house or in the presence of an asthmatic!!!!

  12. Allergies Definition: An exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are not usually harmful. IgE

  13. Types of Allergies: • Respiratory • Food • Drug • Cosmetic • Animal • And plenty more…

  14. Where do allergies come from? Genes – most are inherited Acquired – from frequent exposure

  15. TRIGGERS • Pollen • Dust mites • Mold • Animal Dander: insects/cockroaches • Insect Stings • Latex • Food • Medicine

  16. Allergy Common Cold Sinus Infection WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

  17. TREATMENT #1 – Avoid the allergen • Use A/C: air purifiers • Vacuum often • Check for plumbing leaks • Read food labels • Carry an Epi-pen if severely allergic

  18. MEDICATIONS -1st Generation antihistamines: Benadryl enadrylTM(diphenhydramine), TriaminicTM (chlorpheniramine); can be sedating! -2ndGeneration antihistamines: Claritin (loratidine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Zyrtec (ceterizine); non-sedating (sometimes…). -Decongestants: Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and many other generics. -Leukotrieneagonists: Singulair, Accolate…recently approved for allergies.

  19. MEDICATIONS - Steroid nasal sprays: Rhinocort, Nasonex, Flonase, Azmacort, Flovent and MANY more! - Saline spray: Salt water solution that is often the CHEAPEST and single MOST EFFECTIVE remedy for congestion, sinus pressure, sinus headache! (Nedi-Pot) - Antibiotics? Rarely. Antibiotics do not treat allergies!!!!!!!!!!!

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