Allergies And Asthma – It Is Time To Stop Treating Only The Symptoms

Spring is a beautiful time of year around central Mississippi – the weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming, and daylight savings time brings longer afternoons to enjoy outside. Unfortunately, for millions, this time of year also brings – seasonal allergies and asthma. May is National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month, and it’s time to raise awareness about these conditions.

What Should We Be Discussing About Allergies?

To those who don’t suffer from allergies or know someone who does, it may not seem like a big deal. It might seem simple to avoid foods like peanuts if you’re allergic to them, or to stock up on over the counter allergy medications during peak allergy season. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans suffer from various types of allergies. While it seems simple to take medications to combat the symptoms of allergies, it is important to understand the root cause of why you’re feeling this way.

How Are Allergies and Asthma Related?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that up to 85% of asthmatic patients also have allergies. This most commonly affects people with chronic allergies like dust mites, mold, cockroaches and animal dander. There is no known cure for asthma, but if it is properly managed, you can reduce the inflammation of the airways, which shows a reduction in asthma attacks. As with allergies, it is important to look beyond simply treating asthma with medications. You can keep doors and windows closed to keep allergens out of the house, shower and wash your clothes after spending time outside, ensure filters on your air conditioner are changed frequently, and avoid yard work and spending a lot of time outside when pollen counts are high.

How Can I Participate In Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America provides a number of resources ranging from information about the conditions to social media pieces that allow you to share information easily via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. But the best way to participate is to take care of yourself, your friends and family. If you haven’t visited a doctor, now is the time to visit one of the TrustCare locations so we can help diagnose and treat you. Don’t spend another day of your life uncomfortable and suffering from allergies or asthma.