Tips to reduce asthma attacks this summer, from the AAAAI

MILWAUKEE-High ozone levels, humidity and even strong winds can trigger an asthma attack for the 20 million people who suffer from asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Asthma is a chronic disease that kills approximately 5,000 people annually. It occurs when the main air passages of the lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten and extra mucus is produced, causing the airways to narrow. Even people with mild asthma can suffer a life threatening attack caused by environmental hazards.

"Asthma results could range from a frequent tendency for a cough, to wheezing or severe difficulty in breathing," said Sheldon L. Spector, MD, FAAAAI, chair of the AAAAI Asthma Diagnosis Committee. "In some cases, breathing may be so labored that an asthma attack becomes life-threatening."

Approximately 60% of asthma attacks are caused by environmental allergens and irritants such as smoke, pollen and animal dander. Below are tips to help reduce attacks caused by environmental allergens and irritants this summer:

• Watch for changing weather conditions such as ozone alerts, changes in temperature, humidity, barometric pressure or strong winds that can aggravate asthma.
• Minimize strenuous physical activity outdoors on days when temperatures are excessively high. Sports that require short bursts of energy, such as baseball, football, wrestling, golfing, gymnastics, swimming, walking or hiking, are less likely to trigger asthma. People with exercise-induced asthma (EIA) should not stop exercising. Many asthmatics have found that with proper training and medical treatment, they are able to reduce the symptoms of EIA.
• Take medications as prescribed by your allergist/immunologist in the recommended dosage. Do not take more medication to ease severe symptoms without consulting with your physician first.
• Use an air conditioner in both your home and car to keep air clean, cool and dry.
• Sit far away from smoke created by campfires or someone who is smoking.
• Do not stand directly behind cars that are running; exhaust fumes could trigger an asthma attack.
• Air out tents/tree houses or other confined places where mold, a common allergen, could be found.
• Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed to remove allergens from your hair and avoid getting them on your pillow.
• Leave tennis shoes outside before you come in the house. You'll avoid tracking pollen indoors.

Asthma is a chronic disease, and requires continuous management and appropriate treatment. You and your allergist/immunologist can work together on these goals to ensure that your asthma is well-managed. Having asthma should not stop you from participating in normal activities.

When to see an allergy/asthma specialist
The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:

• Need to confirm the diagnosis of asthma.
• Have asthma and see their symptoms get worse after a new pet has been introduced into the home.
• Have a history of seasonal or persistent asthma, to evaluate their sensitivity to inhaled allergens and provide instructions regarding avoidance measures.
• Need education on asthma and guidance in techniques for self-management.
• Need for daily asthma reliever medications.
• Are not using medications as prescribed, and this is limiting their ability to control their asthma.

To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more about allergies and asthma, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at (800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information and a physician referral directory through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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