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Start School on the Right Foot with These Asthma Tips

September 3, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health 1 ,

Reading Education Literature Books Know School

I was out shopping the other day and was surprised to see the school supply section bustling with students and parents gathering supplies for the start of school. It seems like summer started yesterday, but ready or not, here comes a new school year! As children get ready by packing fresh supplies in brand new backpacks, parents of children with asthma also need to prepare for a new school year. More than 10 million school days are missed each year due to asthma-related absences, according to the American Lung Association. Parents can help their children start school on the right foot by reviewing this back-to-school asthma checklist:

  1. Talk to the school about your child’s asthma action plan: The American Lung Association’s Back-to-School with Asthma Toolkit has asthma resources and tips for parents, teachers, students, school nurses and school officials. The Asthma Toolkit also includes “The Basics for Parents,” which explains which asthma questions parents should ask their child’s school. Check that your child’s school nurse and/or teacher have a recent copy of your child’s asthma action plan, and ask if your child can carry their medication while at school. That way, the school will be familiar with your child’s medications and will be prepared to help in the event of an asthma emergency. The asthma action plan should include information about your child’s asthma triggers and symptoms, when and how to administer medication, and what to do in an emergency.
  2. Learn about asthma emergency protocols: Ask about the school’s procedures in the event that your child has an asthma attack. Label your child’s medication with their name, the name of the medication, and instructions for use. Make sure the school has emergency contact information for you and a few backup contacts.
  3. Keep tabs on air quality: If your child’s asthma is triggered by perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning chemicals, chalk dust, mold, and/or pet dander, talk to your child’s teacher and the school nurse about how your child can avoid these triggers. Each day, check the ozone forecast at the EPA’s AirNow site to monitor outdoor air quality and decide whether or not it’s safe for your child to play outside. Asthma symptoms can increase on days when ground level ozone is high, so your child might need to stick to indoor activities on those days.

Before school starts, consider making a doctor’s appointment for your child to make sure their asthma action plan is up to date. A little preparation with your child’s doctor and school will set your child up for a happy and healthy school year.

Additional Resources:

Back-to-School with Asthma Checklist by the American Lung Association

Back to School with Allergies and Asthma by Thanai Pongdee, American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology


Asthma Sufferers Could Find Relief in Obama’s Energy Plan

August 27, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health Leave a comment   ,

President Barack Obama announced a plan earlier this month to reduce power plant emissions, a move that could improve air quality and greatly benefit asthma sufferers. The energy plan requires a reduction of power plant emissions in the U.S. by 32% by 2030. Obama said that these changes would help reduce 90,000 asthma attacks in children by 2030. The effect of air quality on asthma sufferers hits close to home for Obama—earlier this year he spoke about the fear he felt when his daughter Malia had an asthma attack when she was 4 years old.

Older coal-fired power plants that lack pollution control can emit sulfur dioxide, a known asthma trigger. Ground level ozone, considered “bad ozone,” is caused when pollutants from sources like cars and power plants chemically react with sunlight. High ground level zone levels can trigger asthma symptoms and are usually more of an issue in the summer because of high temperatures, high humidity and lighter winds. Urban areas can be even more problematic for asthma sufferers because of higher pollution levels.

In North Carolina, the ozone forecast season extends from April 1 to October 31. Asthma sufferers can monitor ozone levels by signing up for the Environmental Protection Agency’s EnviroFlash daily air quality forecasts. The forecast rates ozone and particle pollution levels on a scale from Code Green (Good) to Code Purple (Hazardous) as a way to help individuals sensitive to air quality, like asthma sufferers, decide if it’s safe to participate in outdoor activities.


Asthma Management: There’s an App for That!

August 20, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment   , ,

Diabetes Apps AboundI’m convinced there’s a smartphone app for just about anything you could imagine. One unusual but clever app is called “Fake me out of here.” If you’re stuck in an awkward situation, simply shake your phone and it will ring so you can pretend you just got an important phone call that requires your immediate attention. Apps aren’t just for playing pranks or games anymore, and I’ve noticed a growing number of apps that monitor a variety of health conditions. Asthma sufferers now have a lot of apps available to them–from tracking daily asthma management to monitoring pollen counts, there’s an app for that!

5 Free Asthma Apps:

  1. Asthma Health–The Asthma Health app was developed in collaboration with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. App users can utilize the technology to get a better understanding of their asthma, but by using the app, they can also participate in what the developers say “may become the largest study of asthma management ever performed.” The app helps patients stick to treatment plans by tracking symptoms and medication usage, avoiding triggers, and viewing reminders to take their medication.
  2. Asthma 360–Asthmatics can setup a dashboard with the Asthma 360 app and track personal statistics like their last peak flow reading. They can also add an asthma action plan for emergencies, setup medication and doctor’s appointment reminders, and create a personalized quick add menu to log their symptoms and triggers.
  3. AsthmaCheck–In addition to keeping track of peak flow meter readings, medication use and symptoms, asthma sufferers can also export their data to share it with their doctor.
  4. EPA’s AIRNOW–This app provides useful information like the Air Quality Index for the user’s location, pollution levels, and explanations about what level of outdoor activity is safe for that day.
  5. Allergy Alert–This is another air quality app, but it focuses more on local pollens counts and allergen levels. App users can access 5-day weather and allergy forecasts, and keep an allergy diary.

Keeping a log of medication use and staying informed about allergens and pollution forecasts can help asthma sufferers better adhere to their asthma management plan, and help them to identify potential triggers.


Most Americans in Favor of Raising the Minimum Age for Tobacco Purchases

August 13, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment   ,

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed more restrictions on where smokers can have a cigarette. That’s good news for asthma sufferers that are more likely to experience an increase in asthma symptoms and even an asthma attack when exposed to cigarette smoke. Asthma attack symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, pain or tightness in the chest, and coughing. More Americans are on board with increased restrictions on cigarettes, and surprisingly enough, so are smokers. The majority of American adults support increasing the minimum age of sale for tobacco products to 21, according to an article the CDC published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Among American adults, 75% supported increasing the minimum age, and 70% of adult smokers also supported raising the age of sale. Only 11% of adults were in strong opposition to raising the minimum age of sale.

In most states, the current minimum age of sale for tobacco products is 18, but in Alabama, Alaska, New Jersey and Utah, the minimum age is 19. Hawaii’s minimum age of sale is the highest at 21. In a press release issued by the CDC, Brian King, Ph.D., acting Deputy Director for Research Translation in CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health, explained that raising the minimum age of sale could reduce the likelihood that first time smokers become regular smokers. This policy change could also benefit asthma sufferers, since tobacco smoke is one of the most common asthma triggers.

“Raising the minimum age of sale to 21 could benefit the health of Americans in several ways,” said Dr. King. “It could delay the age of first experimenting with tobacco, reducing the likelihood of transitioning to regular use and increasing the likelihood that those who do become regular users can quit.”

Smokers that try their first cigarette before age 21 are more likely to continue smoking as an adult. A 2012 Surgeon General report revealed that 96% of adult smokers had their first smoke before age 21. Tobacco distributers are familiar with this trend, and aggressively market to younger consumers. A 2015 report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) showed that raising the minimum age of sale for tobacco products in all 50 states would reduce the amount of cigarette smoking by 12% by 2100.

Those with asthma that experience worsened symptoms when exposed to tobacco smoke can take a few measures to reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack. If you have asthma, ask smokers to smoke outside your home and car. Also look for tobacco-free campus policies at day cares and schools. Choose no-smoking rooms at hotels and pick restaurants that don’t allow smoking since restaurants with no-smoking and smoking sections don’t provide enough protection against second-hand smoke. Discuss an asthma action plan with your doctor to insure that you have the right medication on hand at all times.


Mystery Solved! The Truth About Common Asthma Myths

July 16, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment   ,

The number of Americans with asthma grows steadily each year; about 1 in 12 people (25 million) have asthma. Although it’s a relatively common condition, there are many misconceptions about asthma. Here are a few common asthma myths, and the reality behind those misconceptions:

  1. Save your asthma medication for when you are having an asthma attack
    If you have mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent asthma, you will likely need to take a daily medication and have a fast-acting inhaler on hand for asthma attacks.
  2. Asthma symptoms improve in dry climates
    This is true for some individuals with asthma, but others do better in a wetter climate. If moisture helps ease your symptoms, consider purchasing a humidifier for your home. Regularly replace your indoor air filters and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to improve indoor air quality and lessen your asthma symptoms.
  3. If you have asthma, you should avoid intense exercise
    Believe it or not, there are quite a few professional athletes with asthma, and regular exercise can improve lung function. Your doctor can help you determine if you should take medication before working out. Check out this article on exercise-induced asthma for advice on how to safely exercise if you have asthma.
  4. Diet has little impact on asthma
    Fatty foods, like fries or red meat, can cause increased inflammation in the airways that can worsen asthma symptoms. The Mediterranean diet is the go-to diet for gaining more control over your asthma symptoms. Healthier fats, like olive oil, are allowed in this diet and the Mediterranean diet also reduces the risk of heart disease.
  5. You can get addicted to your asthma medication
    Asthma medication isn’t habit forming, but asthma is a chronic condition so long-term use of medication is to be expected. Your asthma treatment plan should explain which medications you should use regularly, and which ones you should use in the event of an asthma attack.

Sources:
Are you being fooled by asthma myths? by Allergies & Asthma, Winter 2014/2015
Common Asthma Myths and Facts by remedy’s health.com communities


Allergy and Asthma Safety at Summer Camp

July 2, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health 1 ,
Photo from Shutterstock.

Photo from Shutterstock.

Camp memories last a lifetime – swimming in the lake, making crafts, having S’mores by the campfire, and making new friends. In order to keep these memories positive ones, parents should make sure children with insect or food allergies have an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) available at camp. Anyone with a food allergy is at risk for anaphylaxis, and those with food allergies and asthma are at an even higher risk, which is why it’s so important to have epinephrine on hand.

Children should pack at least one EpiPen in case of an emergency, preferably two – one to keep with them at all times and one to leave with the camp nurse or a trained counselor. Campers that plan on canoeing or kayaking should pack their EpiPen in a Ziploc bag or a “dry bag” to keep it dry and secure since the epinephrine carrier tube isn’t waterproof.

Hot temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of EpiPens, but it can be hard to avoid the heat while at summer camp. Ideally, EpiPens are stored at room temperature (68-77 degrees), but they can be exposed to up to 86 degrees for short periods of time. On especially hot days, campers with EpiPens should try to find shade periodically and take breaks indoors. It’s not a good idea to use an ice pack in an attempt to keep an EpiPen cooler because extreme cold can also reduce the medicine’s effectiveness.

Campers with food or insect allergies that are exposed to these allergens should use an EpiPen immediately and go to the hospital for monitoring. It’s important to use an EpiPen right away, even if the affected individual doesn’t immediately exhibit symptoms.

Additional Resources:


Children’s Lives Saved by 3-D Printer Technology

June 25, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health Leave a comment  

3-D printers are a unique type of technology since organizations are constantly finding new uses for the devices. What started as an almost novelty item has morphed into a useful tool to progress medical treatment – like these prosthetic limbs for a disabled dog. I recently learned about a wonderful way 3-D printers have been used to create splints in airways of children with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM). Children with TBM are often misdiagnosed as having treatment-resistant asthma, but TBM actually affects breathing by softening the windpipe, which eventually causes the airway to collapse, and leads to breathing failure. The condition is rare – affecting 1 in 2,200 babies, but most grow out of it by age 3. With pediatric TBM, the cartilage supporting the airway strengthens as children age, but in some severe cases, TBM can be life-threatening.

Researchers at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital created a 3-D printed splint to support the airways of children with TBM; three children participated in the study and are doing quite well with no complications from the treatment. Previously, the only way to treat severe cases of tracheobronchomalacia was through high-risk surgeries that often resulted in cardiac and respiratory arrest.

The 3-D printed device supports pediatric patients’ airways long enough so that eventually their airways strengthen on their own. The device is made of biodegradable polyester called polycaprolactone, and the body reabsorbs the device after about three years. Children using the device no longer needed ventilators; paralytic, narcotic and sedating drugs; and no longer had to be fed intravenously. Researchers are awaiting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to move forward with establishing the 3-D splint as the go-to treatment for TBM.

Additional Resources:


Top 5 Worst Cities for Spring Allergies

June 11, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

During the spring and fall, many of us (over 45 million!) are no stranger to the struggle with seasonal allergies. This biannual battle is even harder for those of us in southern states. The following cities are the top five most challenging places to live with spring allergies, according to a 2015 report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

  1. Jackson, MS
  2. Louisville, KY
  3. Oklahoma City, OK
  4. Memphis, TN
  5. Knoxville, TN

Each year, the AAFA analyzes data on pollen scores and allergy medication use for the annual Allergy Capitals report. This report identifies the 100 most challenging places to live with spring allergies in the U.S., and is designed as an educational resource to help allergy sufferers better understand their symptoms and make more informed decisions about allergy treatments.

“Even though it seems like you can get all the answers at the drug store, you really can’t manage allergies alone, you need to work with a doctor. Allergy sufferers who wish to avoid allergy misery need to know their allergic triggers by visiting an allergist and having the proper testing done,” says Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, Medical Director of Allergy and Asthma Care of NY and an Ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “This will enable patients to have a specific, proactive treatment plan in place before symptoms hit,” says Bassett.

An allergist can help you determine whether combination therapies, mono-therapies or long-term therapies are best to treat your allergy symptoms. Once you and your allergist determine the best treatment plan, you’re on your way to a more enjoyable spring with less sneezing.


Marijuana Allergies on the Rise

May 28, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment   ,


Allergists have noticed a rise in the number of people reacting to an allergy to marijuana as the use of marijuana becomes legal in more states. Marijuana smoke can agitate asthma symptoms, and cause conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis. Symptoms from a reaction to smoke inhalation can include inflammation of the eyes, coughing and wheezing, sneezing, nasal congestion, and even anaphylaxis. Pollen from cannabis can also trigger allergies; the pollen usually spreads later in the summer into the fall and can travel miles from the plant.

Not many cases of allergies to marijuana have historically been reported, probably since its use was largely illegal. Cases of patients with marijuana allergies are still rare, but allergists have noticed an increase in the number of patients exhibiting marijuana allergies. However, testing for the allergy can be difficult, depending on where you live. In Texas, for example, where marijuana is illegal, allergist Dr. David Engler was denied a request for a small sample of cannabis extract he needed for an allergy test for a patient with a potential marijuana allergy. In this case, Dr. Engler investigated the patient’s historical reaction to marijuana exposure to determine that she did have a marijuana allergy. Getting treatment coverage is also problematic since insurance companies don’t recognize marijuana allergies. If legalization of marijuana spreads to more states, we may see an even greater increase in cases of patients having marijuana allergies, but that will hopefully make it easier for allergists to test for it.

 

Additional Resources:


All About Asthma Month

May 7, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Every May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unites organizations across the U.S. in raising asthma awareness, working to get asthma under control, and improving asthmatics’ quality of life. Over 300 million people worldwide have asthma, and 15 million die each year from asthma-related complications or early death, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Asthma Month also reminds us to be aware of common asthma triggers and to be conscientious of how our behavior can affect asthmatics. Tobacco smoke is a well-known trigger, but irritants like strong perfumes and cleaning chemicals can even trigger an asthma attack. NIH-supported scientists are researching and developing a better understanding of how asthma is affected by exposure to allergens (asthma triggers), pollution and microbes. This type of research will help asthmatics better understand which triggers affect them, and how to improve their asthma management plans.

Many communities are also hosting Asthma Month events, like World Asthma Day and Happy Food Allergy Awareness Week. This year’s theme for World Asthma Day is “You can control your asthma,” and organizations are participating in the event by hosting Twitter chats with doctors, promoting educational materials about asthma triggers and management plans, and providing tools to share information about asthma.

Interested in local Asthma Month information and activities? Check out the North Carolina Asthma Program for resources about asthma triggers in residential environments, information for coaches about how asthma affects athletic performance, and more.

Additional Resources:


This Musician Can Soothe Your Asthma Blues

April 30, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health Leave a comment  

Al Keith doesn’t want you down and out with the “asthma blues.” In fact, he’s so concerned about respiratory health, he produced a jazz and blues CD called “Asthma Blues” to educate asthmatics, their families and caregivers about how to have a successful asthma management plan. Al is a respiratory therapist based out of Chicago who understands that music is a powerful educational tool. He created CTK Clinical Consultants, LLC in 2002 as a way to build an “educational bridge between patients and physicians.”

Al’s songs were written based on the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines. He sings about important components of an asthma management plan like how to identify asthma triggers, how to use a peak flow meter, and why it’s important to have a written asthma action plan. You can download Al’s album on iTunes, or on the Asthma Blues website, and enjoy songs like “Breathin’ Right,” Get Your Peak Flow On,” and “You Need an Action Plan.”

Additional Resources:

 


The Striking Truth about Thunderstorm Asthma

April 16, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Thunder doesn’t just signal that lightning is coming—it can also trigger asthma attacks. We usually think the rain will help our allergies by washing away pollen, but on rare occasions, thunderstorms can actually make allergies worse. During thunderstorms, the low barometric pressure can stir up mold and pollen that can be an irritant to individuals with allergies and asthma. Some researchers believe the thunderstorm’s electrical charge can make mold and pollen particles more likely to stick to the lungs, and asthma-related emergency room visits actually increase during and after some thunderstorms.

Researchers have had a difficult time fully understanding thunderstorm asthma since it is a rare, localized occurrence. Thunderstorms generally don’t last very long, so it can be hard to determine if an asthma attack was caused by the thunderstorm or something else. Plus, different asthma sufferers have different sensitivities, so not everyone with asthma is at risk of experiencing a thunderstorm-related asthma attack. However, researchers believe the increase in ER visits due to thunderstorm asthma could be because individuals with mild asthma might not have a rescue inhaler on hand. Scientists are concerned that cases of thunderstorm asthma could increase due to climate change that would increase the amount of pollen in the air and lead to stronger thunderstorms. If you have asthma, make sure you have rescue inhalers on hand in case you are susceptible to thunderstorm asthma.

Sources


Your Job Could Be Bad for Your Lungs

April 2, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Some jobs, like construction and manufacturing, put workers at a greater risk of experiencing a serious accident. However, there are many other professions that pose a less obvious threat. Some common occupations can actually put your lungs at risk for conditions like asthma, fibrosis, cancer, COPD and infections.

Jobs like construction and manufacturing are often thought of as dangerous because of the risk of equipment-related accidents. However, these jobs also expose workers to asbestos, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust from demolitions, or to the risk of inhaling microscopic fibers and metals. These risk factors can contribute to conditions like asthma, lung cancer, and mesothelioma (another type of cancer). Firefighters can also be exposed to harmful building materials, but can reduce their risk of exposure by using a “self-contained breathing apparatus” (SCBA).

Housekeepers are regularly exposed to cleaning chemicals, which can also emit VOCs. These VOCs can cause allergic reactions and lead to long-lasting breathing problems. While cleaning, housekeepers can run fans and open windows in an effort to improve ventilation in the area. Cleaning with vinegar, baking soda and water are effective alternatives to commercial cleaners, and are less irritating to the lungs.

Hair stylists are also regularly exposed to chemicals, but from hair-coloring and straightening products instead of from cleaners. Hair-coloring products can cause asthma, and hair-straightening products contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen. Health care workers with a sensitivity to latex can experience asthma-like symptoms, but latex-free synthetic gloves can be an effective alternative.

For workers with work conditions that can damage their lungs, it’s important to wear protective gear like masks and special breathing apparatuses. Working in well ventilated areas can also make a positive difference. Managers and employees should make an effort to understand job-related health risks, and utilize equipment that protects them from harmful chemicals and dust.

Additional Resources:


Indoor Allergies Could Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma

March 19, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Parents know that the safety and health of their children will have an impact on their children’s development and health as an adult. Research has shown us that childhood obesity, for example, could be linked to an increased risk of diabetes; heart attacks; cancers; and in the immediate term, it could negatively affect academic performance. A new study revealed another children’s health risk parents should keep in mind, and it involves the relationship between childhood allergies in toddlers and preschoolers and the development of asthma later in childhood.

Researchers studied about 500 children from Cincinnati at ages 1, 2, 3 and 4, and administered skin prick allergy tests for common indoor allergies to cats, dogs, cockroaches and dust mites. Children in the study were tested for asthma at age 7, and researchers found that those with a year-to-year positive test for cat and dust mite allergies and an increased risk of having asthma. Although there’s a link between these specific allergens and an increased risk of developing asthma, more research is needed to determine if these allergens cause asthma since there are other factors that be at play.

Curious about other childhood conditions that increase the risk of asthma development? Check out our post on the link between childhood eczema and asthma.

 

 


Hand Washing Dishes Could Reduce Asthma Risk for Children

March 12, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health Leave a comment  

Washing Hands with soapDishwashers are not only a wonderful timesaving luxury, but they also give us the reassurance that our dishes are exceptionally clean. A new study revealed that there could be a downside to dishwashers making dishes “too clean”; the study found that hand washing dishes instead could lower your children’s risk of developing allergic conditions like asthma or eczema.

Researchers at Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital in Sweden quizzed parents of approximately 1,000 Swedish children, all 7 or 8 years old, about the children’s history of asthma, eczema and seasonal allergies. 12% of the families in the study hand washed dishes, and the children in those families had nearly half the risk of developing allergic conditions in comparison to children in families that used a dishwasher.

Hand washing dishes exposes children to more bacteria, which could actually be beneficial in strengthening their immune system, and could be the reason why they have a reduced risk of developing an allergic condition.


Spring Cleaning Without the Sneezing

March 5, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Quite a few cultures practice spring cleaning—the Chinese, for example, clean their homes to get ready for the new year. They clean as a way to rid the home of bad luck and invite good fortune in the coming year. In the past, families of many cultures kept their homes tightly sealed from the elements, but heating their homes with coal, oil and wood made dwellings dingy by the time spring rolled around. When spring finally sprung, families hauled everything out of the house to give furniture and clothes a thorough cleaning. Spring cleaning is a refreshing way to give old man winter the boot, and welcome warmer weather with a clean home.

If you have asthma, just the thought of stirring up dust, pet dander, and mold while spring cleaning is enough to make you sneeze. However, you can take a few precautions to prevent a flare up while cleaning.

  • If your asthma management plan has been successful, you have a better chance of avoiding an asthma attack while cleaning. If cleaning in the past has irritated your asthma, keep rescue inhalers on hand.
  • Wear a mask while cleaning to shield your nose from cleaning product chemicals. Also consider using more natural products like baking soda and vinegar, which will fight mold without irritating your lungs.
  • Start by cleaning the bedroom since that’s where we spend a lot of time. Wash bedding on the hot cycle; wipe down surfaces with soapy water; and dust items like lamps, fans and blinds.
  • Try to schedule your cleaning early enough in the day so you can spend a few hours out of the house afterward. That will give your lungs a break while dust settles and odors from cleaning products dissipates.

 

Are you on an asthma treatment plan, but need a refresher on how to get the most out of your medicine? Check out our asthma resources page for equipment instructions, educational videos, and other asthma resources.


An Asthma Diagnosis Didn’t Stop These Top Athletes

February 26, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

It’s easy to put famous athletes on a pedestal—their toned physiques and ability to obliterate fitness boundaries makes them seem superhuman. We also hear stories about famous athletes that overcame physical challenges like the loss of a limb, a chronic illness, or even partial loss of sight. A new study’s results should be encouraging for asthmatics worried about their ability to exercise—John Dickinson from Kent University discovered that 70% of 33 swimmers on the British Swimming Squad have some type of asthma. He also found that 30% of the cyclists from Team Sky have asthma.

A number of well-known American athletes have also had successful careers despite having asthma. Former NFL football player Jerome Bettis was diagnosed with asthma at age 15 and worried that diagnosis would end his athletic career. However, he stuck with his asthma treatment plan and went on to play for the Los Angeles Rams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and win a Super Bowl championship. Olympic swimmer and six-time gold medalist Amy Van Dyken is another example of an athlete with a successful career despite an asthma diagnosis. Dyken was diagnosed with severe asthma as a child and her doctors recommended participation in sports as a way to make her lungs stronger and prevent against future asthma attacks.

The success stories of these athletes is an inspiration to asthmatics that are concerned that their condition will be a roadblock to an active lifestyle. Their stories also relay the importance of working with your doctor to develop an effective asthma treatment plan. If you need help adjusting to new equipment, check out our asthma instructional videos to enhance your treatment plan.


How to Treat Asthma When Your Pet is a Pest

February 12, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ 1

Smile Cute Dog Love Boy Puppy Playful Kid

Many pet owners view their furry or feathered friend as a part of the family. But what happens when you’re allergic to that furry family member? If you’re allergic to your pet but can’t imagine life without Fido, you can take a few precautions to reduce the impact your pet has on triggering asthma attacks.

One common pet allergy myth is that people are allergic to the pet’s fur. Pet dander and saliva are the real culprits triggering allergies, so trimming the pet’s fur won’t necessarily make a difference in reducing asthma attacks. If you have a bird, their feathers aren’t the problem, the dander they generate and the mites in the feathers are what triggers an allergic reaction.

To reduce the impact pets have on your asthma, keep pets out of the bedroom and vacuum frequently. Try to mop hardwood and tile floors weekly. If you have a bird, a family member without a pet allergy should be in charge of cleaning the cage since this is where most of the dander and dust mites will gather. HEPA filters – both in your home and in your vacuum cleaner – can reduce the number of allergens in your home up to 98%. These precautions won’t completely alleviate your allergy symptoms, so talk to your doctor about medications and additional steps to take. To learn more about pet allergies and asthma, check our asthma education page.

 

 


Treating Asthma for a Happy Heart

February 5, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

We know that treating asthma will make you breathe easier, but managing your asthma will also make your heart happy. A recent Mayo Clinic study found that asthmatics with active asthma have a 70% higher risk of heart attack than individuals without asthma. Dr. Young Juhn, the lead researcher of the study, stressed the importance of properly controlling asthma to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Inflammation could be the reason for the link between asthma and heart disease. Inflammation results with the immune system’s response to infection and injuries, and asthma and heart disease are associated with higher levels of inflammation. Periodic inflammation isn’t necessarily problematic, but chronic inflammation can lead to permanent bodily damage.

Managing your asthma is important for your heart health, but it’s also a good idea to look at other heart attack risk factors that you should address. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you have other heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol, and what you can do to manage these conditions.


North Carolinians Hit Hard by Harsh Flu Season

January 29, 2015 Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ, Diabetes Leave a comment  

The NC Department of Health and Human Services released new figures about the total flu-related deaths in NC – the count has increased to 114, with 15 new deaths during the week of Jan. 11. Adults 65 and older have taken the hardest hit this flu season; doctors recommend everyone get the flu shot, especially children, elder adults, and those with asthma.

This year’s strain, H3N2, is particularly dangerous, and a mutation of the strain has limited the effectiveness of the flu shot. However, doctors still recommend the flu shot because it can make a difference in many cases. Common complications caused by the flu are sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The flu can cause inflammation around the heart, dehydration, and can worsen medical conditions like asthma and diabetes.

If you have a chronic medical condition like asthma or diabetes, talk to your doctor about preventative care, like the flu shot, and also about a management plan if you contract the flu. The CDC recommends influenza antiviral drugs for high-risk patients; antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms, reduce the amount of time you have the flu by up to two days, and can prevent complications like pneumonia. Antiviral drugs are most effective when administered within two days of getting sick, but using them later can still be beneficial. In addition to getting a flu shot, take other precautions like washing your hands frequently, and sanitizing common areas and office workstations with disinfectants.  If you do contract the flu, it’s best to stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others.


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