Physician encourages asthma, allergy sufferers

OTHELLO - May is Asthma & Allergy Awarness Month, and Columbia Basin Health Association's Dr. Catherine Dinglasan urges everyone, especially sufferers, to learn more.

According to Dinglasan, May is peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers. Trees and ornamental shrubs leaf out and blossom. Weeds come to life.

"All of this activity produces pollen, and that's what causes the problems for millions of Americans," Dinglasan said. "Unfortunately, there are no safe places from allergies."

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances that usually cause no reaction in most individuals. These substances often trigger sneezing, wheezing, coughing and itching.

Allergies are not only bothersome. Many have been linked to a variety of common and serious chronic respiratory illnesses such as sinusitis and asthma.

According to Dinglasan, some patients find relief from over the counter antihistamines and decongestants. Others, depending on the severity of symptoms, may require allergy testing, which helps define what patients are actually allergic to.

Treatment plans can then be tailored to the patients needs and include medication, injections or a combination of both. There are also simple things people can do to help prevent allergic reactions.

"By dusting surfaces and washing bedding often, the number of dust mites in your home can be controlled," Dinglasan said. "Vacuuming once or twice a week helps reduce surface dust mites."

Reducing pet dander also helps. Pets with feathers or fur like birds, dogs and cats can cause allergic reactions.

An easy way to prevent pollen from entering your home is to keep windows and doors closed. Air filters should be used and cleaned often.

Avoid mold spores that grow in moist areas. Reduce the moisture in the bathroom and kitchen. Repair leaks inside and outside of the home and clean moldy surfaces. Dehumidifiers will also help reduce mold.

"Asthma affects people of all ages and backgrounds," Dr. Dinglasan said. "Although it cannot be cured, it is possible to manage asthma successfully to help reduce and prevent asthma attacks."

Successful asthma management includes knowing the warning signs of an attack, avoiding things that may trigger an attack and regular physical exams.