Asthma and how it affects our health and well-being

In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 25 million people have asthma, and more than 50% of these people also have allergies. Although these conditions are common, they can be debilitating and significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild, while in others, they can be severe and can lead to an asthma attack. Unlike allergies, which are an exaggerated immune response of the body to harmless substances such as pollen, dust, or dust mites. Symptoms of allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin, and difficulty breathing. People with asthma and allergies may experience more severe and frequent symptoms.

Now, asthma with allergies, also known as allergic asthma, is when allergic triggers cause asthma symptoms. Common allergic triggers include pollen, dust mites, and animals. When a person with asthma is exposed to an allergic trigger, their airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. It is important to clarify that asthma is not an allergy itself, but it can be triggered by an allergic reaction. As mentioned earlier, asthma is a chronic lung disease, while allergies are an immune response to a particular substance.

The exact cause of asthma and allergies is unknown, but their symptoms can vary from person to person, and it is believed that there is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some factors that may increase the risk of developing asthma and allergies include a family history of asthma or allergies, exposure to irritants (air pollution, tobacco smoke), exposure to allergens, frequent respiratory infections during childhood, among others.

As for its diagnosis, it is based on symptoms, medical history, and confirmatory tests. In fact, the doctor may perform pulmonary function tests to assess airflow and lung capacity. They may also perform allergy tests to determine what substances trigger a person's symptoms, among others depending on the person's symptoms. There are many expert doctors in the treatment of asthma and allergies in the United States, however, here are some of the most recognized in the field:

Dr. William W. Busse: Expert in asthma and allergies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has been recognized for his work in treating asthma and researching inflammation of the airways.

Dr. Harold S. Nelson: Renowned allergy expert at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado. He has been recognized for his work in diagnosing and treating allergies, particularly in immunotherapy.

Dr. Sally E. Wenzel: Expert in asthma and allergies at the University of Pittsburgh. She has been recognized for her work in diagnosing and treating asthma, particularly in severe and treatment-resistant patients.

Dr. Jonathan A. Bernstein: Expert in allergies at the University of Cincinnati. He has been recognized for his work in diagnosing and treating allergies, particularly in patients with complex and severe allergic diseases.

Dr. Mitchell H. Grayson: Expert in asthma and allergies. He has been recognized for his work in researching asthma and treating patients with complex allergic diseases.

Dr. Stephen P. Peters: Expert in asthma and allergies. He has been recognized for his work in researching asthma and identifying new treatments for the disease.

Regarding the treatment of asthma and allergies, this can include medications, lifestyle changes, and preventative measures. Some common treatments include: Inhaled medications to reduce inflammation and widen airways, oral medications to control inflammation and reduce symptoms, immunotherapy to reduce allergic reaction, avoiding allergenic triggers, and avoiding pollutants. It is important to work with a physician to develop a personalized treatment plan and to receive treatment at a specialized center for these medical conditions. Some of the most recognized centers in the country include:

National Jewish Health: A non-profit medical institution located in Denver, Colorado that specializes in the treatment of respiratory diseases, including asthma and allergies. It has been recognized as the leading hospital for respiratory diseases in the United States for several consecutive years.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA): A non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies. They offer education and resources for patients, as well as work on research and advocacy initiatives to improve prevention and treatment of these diseases.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI): A professional organization dedicated to research and education in the field of allergies, asthma, and clinical immunology. They offer resources and materials for patients and medical professionals, as well as work on promoting research and development of new treatments.

Mayo Clinic: A leading medical institution in the United States that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of diseases, including asthma and allergies. It has a team of highly trained physicians and scientists in the field of allergy and immunology.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): A federal agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services dedicated to the prevention and control of diseases, including asthma and allergies. They offer resources and programs for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.

American Lung Association: A non-profit organization dedicated to improving lung health in the United States. They offer education, resources, and support to patients with asthma and other lung diseases, as well as work on promoting research and development of new treatments.

In conclusion, asthma and allergies are diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. While these diseases can be debilitating and sometimes frightening, there are many treatment and prevention options available to help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

It is important to remember that each person is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. That is why it is essential to work with a trusted medical team to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

References:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, May 14). Allergies and asthma: Double trouble. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/allergies-and-asthma/art-20047458

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 8). Work-related asthma . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asthma/

Asthma: Types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment . Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6424-asthma

Dr. William W. Busse: https://www.medicine.wisc.edu/people-search/people/staff/53/Busse_William

Dr. Harold S. Nelson: https://www.nationaljewish.org/doctors-departments/providers/researchers/harold-nelson

Dr. Sally E. Wenzel: https://profiles.dom.pitt.edu/paccm/faculty_info.aspx/Wenzel5445

Dr. Jonathan A. Bernstein: https://med.uc.edu/landing-pages/profile/Index/Pubs/bernstja

Dr. Mitchell H. Grayson: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/find-a-doctor/profiles/mitchell-h-grayson

Dr. Stephen P. Peters: https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/p/stephen-peters

National Jewish Health: https://www.nationaljewish.org/home

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA): https://aafa.org/

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI): https://www.aaaai.org/

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/

American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/