For quite some time, I wasn't sure what I was going to do about my failing health. I knew that I had a few longterm health problems, but resolving the issues felt really difficult. Fortunately, a friend of mine mentioned going to the doctor, so I began looking for medical alternatives. I began working with one doctor who suggested a course of medications and a few lifestyle changes, and I was really enthusiastic about the progress I was making. I know that making health and medical changes helped the quality of my life, and I know it could help you too. Check out this blog for more information.
Figuring Out How To Cope With Allergies And Asthma
Asthma and allergy issues are one of the most widespread sources of medical issues in the world, and dealing with them often calls for more than just avoiding irritants. If you're wondering exactly what can be done to deal with your specific situation, an allergy and asthma care services office can provide the resources you need. When you do pay a visit to an asthma and allergy services practice, these three questions are worth bringing up.
Is This Actually Allergies or Asthma?
One of the first concerns that needs to be addressed is obtaining an accurate diagnosis. There's a tendency to assume that all forms of wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing are either asthma or allergies. Notably, there are several disorders that actually mimic the symptoms of each one.
Sinusitis, for example, can lead to inflammations that produce similar breathing issues. Worse, it's often comorbid with asthma. Breathing difficulties may, in fact, be indicative of other problems, particularly heart disease issues such as COPD, congestive heart failure, or myocardial ischemia. Among the more odd asthma and allergy imitations is vocal cord dysfunction, which can cut off the breathing pathways in a similar way to an asthma attack. With the help of an allergy and asthma services provider, you can begin to rule out alternative explanations and ensure that you're receiving the right care to treat the correct issue.
What Are the Available Treatment Options?
We tend to stereotypically think of the inhaler as the go-to solution, largely due to its common use as a characterizing prop on TV shows. There are, however, a number of viable alternative treatments that an asthma and allergy care services provider might be able to point you to.
With a little luck, you might end up being a candidate for a shot. Allergy shots take about 12 months to fully build up in the system, and maintenance treatments can provide relief for three to five years. In some cases, patients may have allergic forms of asthma that can be treated with shots.
Alternative drug solutions include bronchodilators and leukotriene receptor antagonists. Both tend to work well for folks who experience exercise-induced asthma.
Will I Experience a Reaction?
One of the primary reasons to pay a visit to a professional is to ensure that you don't experience a reaction to treatment. Blood work can be performed alongside patch tests, and drug interactions should also be discussed.
For more information, reach out to an allergy and asthma care service in your area.