Asthma 101

Asthma strikes a surprisingly large number of Americans. For some it is a nuisance, to others it can be serious. Listen to experts talk about the prevalence of asthma, and what people can do about it.

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How to Avoid Asthma Attacks

If you've ever experienced an asthma attack, you know how frustrating and unpleasant it can be. And since anything from strong perfume to extreme temperatures can trigger an attack, living with asthma can be a daily challenge. Fortunately, many attacks can be prevented once you've identified your personal triggers. Join Dr. Chris Winslow for some helpful tips on getting through your day attack-free.

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The Basics of Asthma Treatment

Living with asthma is no walk in the park. Every day, asthma sufferers confront circumstances that may trigger an asthma attack. But there are medications that can effectively control this disease. Join expert Dr. Chris Winslow as he talks about the latest asthma prevention strategies, and discusses the correct ways to use them.

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Controlling Asthma During Pregnancy

Controlling asthma during pregnancy is extremely important, for the health of both mother and baby. Listen to experts explain what can happen if a woman's persistent asthma goes unchecked in the nine months before delivery.

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Treating Asthma During Pregnancy: Choosing the Right Medicine

Drugs receive special scrutiny for safety when used by pregnant women. How do the drugs used to control asthma compare? Listen in as experts explain.

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Pregnancy and Asthma: Communicating With Your Doctor

Managing asthma in pregnancy requires special expertise. Listen to expert advice on how a woman should work with her doctors to make sure her asthma hurts neither herself nor her unborn child.

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Asthma in Adolescents: Dealing With New Challenges

Being a teen can be difficult. Being a teen with asthma poses extra challenges. There may be changes in the characteristics of their symptoms due to puberty, and distractions may make them less aware. Listen as experts discuss how to help adolescents face asthma.

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Asthma in Kids Under 5

Up to 10% of children in the United States have asthma, and asthma control is key to preventing long-term problems. National treatment guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids to control symptoms in very young children with persistent asthma. Listen to experts discuss the options available for children under the age of five.

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Treatment of Asthma in Children 5-12

Most kids with asthma will have their first episode before they go to school. But as kids get older their asthma triggers often change. The best treatment is a two-pronged approach to care: prevention and treatment. Listen to experts talk about options for school-aged kids.

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Taking a Breather From Asthma Medication

Remembering to take your daily medications if you have mild persistent asthma may not be easy, especially if you don't suffer from daily symptoms. However, a new study says that these controller medications may not be as necessary for symptom relief as previously thought.

Do Christmas Trees Make You Sneeze and Wheeze?

Some people spend most of the fall eagerly awaiting the piney smell and warm glow of a live Christmas tree. For others who celebrate Christmas, indoor trees, not to mention greenery-draped mantles and cinnamon-scented candles, bring little more than a runny nose and a tight feeling in their chest.

Alternatives for Allergies and Asthma: Proceed with Caution

Americans are turning to complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies to treat their allergies and asthma. Find out why experts say people have to be cautious about what they ingest, inject or practice when it comes to treating their sneezing, coughing and wheezing.

The Pregnancy Pickle: What is Safe for Treating Asthma?

There has been concern that the use of some asthma medications during pregnancy might lead to complications. But a recent study suggests that these medications are safe for the mother and baby.

Getting Back in the Game: The Link Between Asthma and Exercise

If your child often ends up watching his or her sports team from the sidelines because breathing during play is a struggle, he or she may be one of the more than 6 million children with asthma.

Asthma in Very Young Children

For any parent, watching your child struggle to breath during an asthma attack is a terrifying experience. Asthma in children under age five may be particularly frightening because they are not always able to communicate about what is occurring. Properly treating very young children with asthma is important, however, in order to prevent asthma attacks and allow them to lead active lives.

Breathing Easy in School

Asthma and allergies can be effectively managed in a school environment, but parents have a key role to play. Learn what you need to know.

Asthma and Adolescents

Taking an asthma inhaler is often the last thing on the mind of a teenager, even one who is coughing or wheezing regularly. Adolescents are often more concerned with their schoolwork and social life than their medication. But it's important that adolescents maintain their asthma therapy, because untreated asthma can severely affect one's ability to lead an active life.

Sticking to the Schedule: Why People Don't Take Their Asthma Medication

Asthma rates are increasing nationwide, and asthma is a particularly alarming problem in inner-city African-American communities. A new study examines some barriers to sticking with asthma medication programs.

Practical Home Treatment for Asthmatic Children

This article addresses some home treatments and prevention for asthma.

Asthma and COPD

Dr. John Ilowite discusses the differences between asthma and COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He discusses the symptoms, treatment and prevention of asthma and COPD.

Persistent Asthma and GERD: Have You Passed the Acid Test?

Pets, dust and feathers can all trigger asthma. But did you know that acid reflux disease can also be the underlying cause of your asthma? Find out how to determine if its affecting you.

You Can Control Your Asthma Triggers

This article offers a practical approach to minimizing asthma attacks through prudent avoidance of asthma triggers.

Avoiding Asthma Triggers

Approximately 15 million Americans suffer from chronic asthma. Exposure to environmental triggers, which irritate breathing airways, can bring about episodes of wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Asthma experts recommend limiting contact with triggers as part of a program of good asthma control to prevent or reduce episodes.

Treating and Controlling Your Asthma

Treatment modalities for asthma are discussed in this comprehensive article.

Childhood Asthma - What Is It?

Dr. Lessin provides and easy-to-understand introduction to childhood asthma, outlining its causes and diagnosis.

Treatment Of Childhood Asthma

This is a comprehensive article devoted to the prevention and treatment of childhood asthma attacks. Dr. Lessin reviews the current medications and treatment strategies to keep young asthmatics healthy.

Status Asthmaticus

Dr. Groth walks through a case illustrating the seriousness of this potentially fatal complication of asthma. In this article, status asthmaticus is defined and the reader is educated about its treatment.

Asthma and Pregnancy

Questions concerning asthma and pregnancy are answered in this article, that offers general information regarding asthma in a pregnant woman.

Do Hormonal Cycles Affect Asthma?

We all know that estrogen and progesterone are critical players in a woman's reproductive process. But could these hormones also improve her breathing? According to a recent report published in the March issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there is strong evidence that estrogen and progesterone may actually improve lung function and asthma.

Demystifying Drug Categories for Pregnant Women

When women first learn they are pregnant most will embark on a program of good nutrition, exercise and general wellness to avoid causing harm to themselves and their growing baby. Although some women may forgo treatments without any health consequences, mothers who require medication for a chronic health condition will be faced with a dilemma.

Steroids Essential to Treatment of Asthma

Two recent reports by the Asthma Clinical Research Network of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, examined the effects of replacing an ICS, or a controller medication, with a long-acting beta-agonist.

The Basics of Allergy

What is an allergy and what is it that causes some people to suffer from them? Why do allergies flare up during certain times of the year? Learn about the basics of allergies and what strategies can help.

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Is it a Cold or an Allergy?

When you have watery eyes, a runny nose, congestion and sneezing, how can you tell if it's a cold or an allergy? Find out the difference and the treatment options for both.

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Seasonal and Chronic Allergies

What time of the year is allergy season? Actually, it's all year long for some allergy sufferers. Learn the difference between seasonal and year-round allergies, and the treatments available for both.

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Springtime Allergies

Millions suffer from springtime allergies. But experts do have a handle on what sufferers can do to cope with this common problem. Allergies no longer need to ruin anyone's springtime fun.

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Kids and Allergies

Allergies can leave children feeling sniffly, teary and itchy and take their toll at play and at school. Previously, allergy remedies left children feeling foggy and tired, but today there are a variety of choices for all ages that can take care of symptoms without the unwanted side effects.

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The Right Treatment for Your Allergies

People with allergies have a range of treatment options available from over-the-counter products to prescription medicines. Learn the differences among these varying treatments and which products can work best for your symptoms.

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Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions: What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Those who experience it must take immediate steps to relieve their symptoms. Learn the basics about anaphylaxis and what to do when a severe allergic reaction strikes.

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Allergy Shots: How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Immunotherapy is one of the most effective treatments available to allergy sufferers. Learn how allergy shots work and who should and should not get them.

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The Dangers of Food Allergies

If you have a food allergy, the world of eating may seem filled with challenges and frustrations. What can you do to take care of your health without living in fear? Join our panel of experts as they discuss what you should know about food allergies.

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A Visit to the Allergist

Sniffling, sneezing, itching, hives, coughing, stuffiness... all could be the symptoms of an allergy. But what are you allergic to? Often, the only way to find out is to see an allergist. Join our panel of allergists to find out whether you should think about paying a visit.

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Living With Indoor Allergies

Sneezing in the sitting room? Coughing in the kitchen? Many common allergens occur primarily indoors and can make your life miserable. Join our panel of experts as they discuss ways to make your home allergy-proof.

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Trading Shots for Drops: The New Approach to Allergies

If you've considered allergy shots, but hate the idea of weekly needles, a new form of allergy treatment may soon be in a doctor's office near you. Sublingual immunotherapy, allergy treatment in the form of a few drops of liquid placed under the tongue, has its own pros and cons, but may provide convenient relief for allergy sufferers.

Sense and Sensitivity: Understanding Food Allergies in Kids

Today, it seems as if every classroom has a little Henry or Jennifer who can't eat peanuts or wheat. So if you are caring for young children, chances are that you are familiar with food allergy, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause many families severe distress.

Do Christmas Trees Make You Sneeze and Wheeze?

Some people spend most of the fall eagerly awaiting the piney smell and warm glow of a live Christmas tree. For others who celebrate Christmas, indoor trees, not to mention greenery-draped mantles and cinnamon-scented candles, bring little more than a runny nose and a tight feeling in their chest.

Alternatives for Allergies and Asthma: Proceed with Caution

Americans are turning to complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies to treat their allergies and asthma. Find out why experts say people have to be cautious about what they ingest, inject or practice when it comes to treating their sneezing, coughing and wheezing.

Running from Ragweed: How to Cope with Fall Allergies

Some people find themselves retreating indoors in late August, not because of the heat and humidity but because of their allergies. Learn why ragweed makes so many people sneeze and how you can find relief.

Are You Allergic to the Sun?

"Sun poisoning" is really an allergic reaction to the sun that occurs when skin is exposed to sunlight for the first time in the early spring, or during a winter vacation. Find out what causes it and how to avoid it.

Nuttin' Left: Removing Peanut Residue

Many people with peanut allergy live in fear of exposure to a trace of this legume. But new research that shows that everyday soaps and cleansers can remove the peanut allergen, and that schools appear to be keeping school surfaces clean, may help ease fears.

Caution at the Cosmetics Counter

Anyone who has wandered through the maze of cosmetics counters in their local department store, or even just hit their neighborhood drugstore, knows that thousands of products have been developed to cater to people seeking flawless skin. But in certain people, skin, hair and nail care products can lead to an allergic reaction on the skin called contact dermatitis.

Wheals of Fire: Getting Help with Hives

Some people break out in hives whenever they share a room with a cat. Others find themselves covered in these itchy red bumps when they're feeling stressed. Most of the time hives are short term, but some people suffer from chronic hives that can last for years, leading to problems such as sleep loss and depression.

Breathing Easy in School

Asthma and allergies can be effectively managed in a school environment, but parents have a key role to play. Learn what you need to know.

Under Pressure: Understanding Sinusitis

We've all had cold symptoms that linger on for weeks, leaving us wondering if we'll ever feel healthy again. Most of the time it's just a bad cold caused by a virus, or allergies. But nasal congestion that prevents the sinuses from draining properly can create a perfect environment for a bacterial infection and the development of sinusitis.

Summer Stingers

Bees are generally known for two things: their industriousness and their venom. A worker honeybee will typically hit between 50 and 100 flowers in single trip while collecting pollen and nectar for her hive. But if you inadvertently trap this bee, she will plunge her stinger into your skin, releasing venom that for most people, will cause skin irritation, but can, in rare cases, be life threatening.

Hay Fever Havoc for Children

High season for hay fever is upon us, and though the itching, sneezing and runny nose are sure to pass when the last grain of pollen finally drops, these symptoms can wreak havoc on the lives of many each year, including children. Learn what parents can do to help their children live with the symptoms of hay fever.

Reacting to Rubber: How to Avoid Latex Allergies

Allergy to natural rubber latex, which is found in stretchy products such as condoms and medical gloves, as well as hard rubber items like pencil erasers, became increasing common during the 1990s. Efforts have been made to limit the use of natural rubber latex, but there are additional steps one can take to minimize exposure.

The Sweet Spring Challenge: Seasonal Allergies

The blessings of spring get mixed reviews from the estimated 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies. It's not easy to appreciate the miracles of nature through itchy eyes, runny nose, and uncontrollable sneezing.

Allergy or Cold?

As many as 40 million Americans suffer from allergies, and many more suffer from the common cold. Allergies and colds share many of the same symptoms, and effective treatment depends on knowing which one you have.

Sweet Allergy Relief in Multiple Shots

If you are allergic to bee stings, a little bee sting may be just what you need. This sort of logic sounds counterintuitive, but this is the premise behind allergy shots, or immunotherapy.

Allergy Immunizations

This article explains allergy shots, how they work, and how they prevent allergies.

Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications

Dr. Morris Nejat discusses the treatment of allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Included in this discussion is an explanation of antihistamines, decongestants, and some of their side effects.

Pet Allergies

Dr. Morris Nejat discusses pet allergies, including strategies to avoid these allergies.

Seasonal Allergies

This article describes seasonal allergies.

How to Avoid Dust Mites: Some Helpful Tips

This article addresses the role that dust mites have in causing allergies. Featured in this article is a detailed description of dust mites and tips on avoiding them.

What Does the Allergist Do?

The role of the allergist is explained in this article. Dr. Finegold describes some of the therapies that allergists offer to treat allergic problems.

Childhood Allergies: What Should Parents Know?

Geared towards parents, this article provides information on allergies in children, including special steps that parents should take in minimizing exposure to allergens in their children.

What is Asthma?

This article explains the basics of asthma in a clear and concise manner.

When is a "Food Allergy" Really an Allergy?

Dr Eitches outlines the difference between true food allergies and food sensitivities. He describes the symptoms of food allergies and what steps can be taken to identify and treat food allergies.

Living With Indoor Allergies

Sneezing in the sitting room? Coughing in the kitchen? As winter arrives, outdoor allergies give way to many pervasive indoor ones. Some are due to our lovable pets, while others are invisible.

Facing Your Allergies

This year more than 50 million Americans will sniffle, wheeze, cough, or scratch their way through a bout of allergies. Some suffer from short-lived seasonal allergies, while others suffer all year long.