Breathe easy this month by taking control of your asthma and allergies.
By Dr. Ruchit Rana
Though April showers bring May flowers… they also mark the start of pollen season! May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.
Asthma is a common, chronic lung condition that involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This results in trouble breathing, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Many different triggers cause asthma symptoms, and a single patient can have multiple triggers. Cigarette smoke, viruses, pollutants, fragrances, and environmental allergens (pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander) are common triggers.
Nearly 1 in 12 Americans has asthma. Though asthma is very common, nearly half of all children and adults with asthma have inadequate relief from their medications. Uncontrolled asthma results in poor quality of life and can be fatal.
Multiple physicians can work together to properly treat asthma. Primary care physicians can help you quit smoking, optimize exercise routines, and ensure you are vaccinated against certain viruses and bacteria. Pulmonologists help address any coexisting conditions that worsen asthma symptoms, such as obstructive sleep apnea and COPD.
Because over 80% of patients with asthma have environmental allergies, allergists can help you identify allergen triggers and offer allergy shots if applicable
Though there is no cure for asthma, patients can have substantially improved quality of life with regular visits to their PCP and specialists. If you or a family member suffers from asthma, make an appointment with your doctor to create an asthma action plan tailored to you.
Dr. Ruchit Rana is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Jackson Allergy and Asthma Clinic, specializing in asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and food allergy in both pediatric and adult patients.
His clinic is located at 151 Harmony Park Circle in Hot Springs. To schedule an appointment, call 501-623-1311.
