People can have allergies or asthma. Many people have both. Allergies can make asthma symptoms worse so it is important to control both asthma and allergies. 

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5 tips to help you control your asthma

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1. Take your asthma medications as prescribed. Everyone with asthma should have a rescue medication. Always have your rescue/emergency inhaler with you.  Many people will also have medications that prevent asthma symptoms and should be taken daily.

2. Identify and avoid environmental triggers as much as possible (dust, pollen, mold, smoke, air pollution).

3. Know what to do if your asthma symptoms worsen. Have an updated asthma action plan:

             - Adult Asthma Action Plan      - Child Asthma Action Plan

4. Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle. Obesity has been tied to worsening of asthma symptoms and can limit the effectiveness of some medications. Speak with your doctor if you have concerns.

5. If you have asthma symptoms or need your rescue inhaler 4 or more times/week, contact your health care provider or  speak to a Certified Respiratory Therapist today by calling 1-866-717-2673.

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5 Tips to help you control your seasonal allergies

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1. Pay attention to pollen counts. On days when pollen counts are high, limit your time outdoors. Pollen counts tend to be highest during the early morning hours, on windy days, and on stormy days.

2. Protect yourself from allergens. Using saline rinses for your nose regularly can help keep your nose clear and may reduce symptoms.

3. Speak with your doctor about appropriate allergy medication. There are different options depending on your symptoms – from antihistamines to nasal sprays or allergy shots.  Work with your doctor to find the right solution for you and stick to it.

4. Take your allergy medication as prescribed. Many allergy medications, including nasal treatments, work best if taken on a regular basis to help not only treat symptoms but prevent them.

5.  Make your environment as allergy-proof as possible. Shut your windows at home (especially where you sleep), take your shoes off at the door, minimize clutter that collects dust, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, wash your bedding with hot water to kill dust mites weekly, and avoid any exposure to smoke.

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September Spike

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As summer winds down, many parents start gearing up for the school year. That usually means buying school supplies and longer pants. But for parents of children with asthma, getting ready for school should also include taking steps to protect their kids from the “September Spike” – the sharp rise in kids’ asthma symptoms that happens soon after school begins.