With Spring in the air, we know that seasonal allergies can be a burden to many people. Allergic rhinitis or ‘hay fever‘ affects 10 to 30 percent of the population. For some, these allergy symptoms are an annoyance. However, for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or other breathing conditions, any extra condition that makes breathing more difficult is automatically more serious.
COPD is a group of lung conditions associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is commonly linked to a history of tobacco use or secondhand tobacco smoke exposure. A past study at Johns Hopkins demonstrated that people with COPD and allergic disease are at increased risk for uncontrolled symptoms. COPD patients with environmental allergy are more likely to experience wheeze, chronic cough, and chronic phlegm which ultimately increases the risk for COPD flares.
For those with allergy it helps to know which pollens, animal danders, mold or other air-borne irritant may trigger their COPD. Allergens are all around us, but it helps to avoid or at least limit exposure to such triggers. The key to avoidance of the triggers is to identify them. At Asthma & Allergy associates we can perform a simple, painless, allergy skin test to help. We will also outline a plan to manage all your allergy and respiratory concerns. There are many medications that can relieve the allergy symptoms, and allergy shots or immunotherapy can desensitize the person.
At Asthma and Allergy Associates, we pride ourselves on making it possible for our patients to be active participants in their healthcare by improving their understanding of their health condition. In addition to the regular clinic, our team is dedicated to conducting quality research. Our clinical research and clinical trials test the effectiveness and safety of various treatments in order to advance new and improved therapeutics. Our patients have the opportunity to shape future treatment options. We are currently conducting research trials for patients with COPD, Asthma, Atopic dermatitis (aka eczema), Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), Angioedema, Food allergy, Sinusitis, and Celiac. For more information please call our clinic.