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Doctor B. Triggers Discussion on Allergies, Asthma

Allergies are one of the main causes of asthma attacks. The majority of people with asthma are allergic to pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, or other common allergens.

If allergies are triggering your asthma attacks, avoiding allergens can help. We asked Windsor Medicare Extra’s Chief Medical Officer James Bracikowski, M.D., to answer a few questions about allergies and asthma.

Q: What are allergies?

Dr. B: Allergies are an overreaction of your immune system to usually harmless things in the environment. Allergies are very common and affect about 20 percent of all Americans.

Q: What steps can I take to allergy-proof my home?

Dr. B: If the cause are dust mites:

• Place an airtight cover over mattresses and pillows.
• Wash sheets weekly in hot water.
• Choose polyester pillows.
• Wear a dust mask if you have to clean or vacuum.

If the cause is pet dander:

• Ask someone who is not allergic to bathe the pet once a week.
• Make some areas of the house, such as the living room and bedroom, out-of-bounds for pets. Some people shouldn’t have pets in the house all together.
• Be sure to wash your hands after petting any animals.

Q: Are my allergies causing my asthma?

Dr. B: If you have asthma, it’s possible that you could have a common form called allergic asthma. Many patients can learn which things trigger their asthma attacks by noting what is in the environment when their asthma symptom gets worse.

Q: Can you get adult asthma?

Dr. B: About 14 million adults suffer from asthma. While some of these people have had asthma since they were children, others develop it in adulthood. A few symptoms of adult asthma include: shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and coughing. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor who can determine if you have asthma and help you develop an individualized management plan.