Achoo! Springtime Allergies Don't Have to Make You Miserable, Say Respiratory Therapists 

For Immediate Release

IRVING , TX (March 1, 2005) – The calendar says March, and that means the weather's warming up, trees are budding out, and flowers are getting ready to bloom. But if you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from springtime allergies and asthma, you're probably wishing for a return of frigid temperatures instead. 

It doesn't have to be that way, say respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). With a little planning and careful attention to medications, even the worst allergy sufferer can enjoy the rites of Spring.

“If you know you suffer from springtime allergies, begin taking inhaled steroids and antihistamines before the season begins,” recommends AARC member Joseph Goss, RRT. “If you have not seen your doctor, talk to them now about starting therapy.”

That advice goes double for people with both asthma and allergies, says the registered respiratory therapist. In fact, these folks need to be on medication all year round to ensure proper control of symptoms.

“Many people with asthma will reduce or stop taking their medications when they feel good,” says Goss. What they don't realize is, the reason they are feeling better is because the medications are doing their job. “Continuing to take your medications as prescribed will prevent an asthma attack from occurring.”

What if you're taking your medications just as the doctor ordered and springtime allergies still make your asthma worse? Goss says it's time for a checkup. “The best thing would be to talk to your doctor or respiratory therapist. Together they can help you regain control over your allergies by changing your medications or just increasing the dosage.” For anyone with difficult asthma or allergies, he recommends an asthma clinic or physician specializing in pulmonary or allergic diseases.

The bottom line for allergy and asthma sufferers is, allergies and asthma don't have to keep you from enjoying the spring. By seeing a doctor or respiratory therapist and following the asthma care plan they lay out for you, monitoring your condition on a regular basis with a peak flow meter (a small device that tells you how well you're breathing), and keeping a quick relief medication nearby just in case symptoms flare up, Goss says you can keep playing and have fun.

“There is no need to avoid outdoor activities because you have asthma or allergies. Pre-treating with medication and good warm-up prior to activity can allow for symptom-free play.” That's good news for anyone ready to get out and enjoy mother nature this spring. Says Goss, “Don't let your asthma control you, you control your asthma.”

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are specially trained and licensed respiratory health care professionals assisting physicians in diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory diseases. RTs provide care in hospitals, outpatient centers, physicians' offices, skilled nursing facilities, and patients' homes. 

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is a not-for-profit, professional organization, consisting of 36,000 respiratory therapists, physicians, and other health care professionals. AARC is dedicated to assisting persons with respiratory diseases receive safe and effective respiratory care.

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Contact: Beth Binkley
Binkley@aarc.org
American Association For Respiratory Care
9425 N MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100, Irving, TX 75063
972-406-4657, 972-243-2272
 

Springtime Allergy and Asthma Checklist

If you have springtime allergies and asthma, there's no reason to stay inside this spring, say respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Just take the following steps to ensure your asthma and allergies are under good control:

• Have a checkup before the season gets underway to make sure you have the proper medications and know how to use them.
• Take all your medications exactly as prescribed.
• If you feel your allergies are making your asthma worse, call your doctor or respiratory therapist right away so they can adjust your medications or dosage.
• Monitor your asthma on a regular basis with a peak flow meter, a small device that measures your breathing.
• Follow the asthma action plan given to you by your doctor or respiratory therapist. If you don't have an asthma action plan, ask your doctor to provide you with one.
• Keep a quick relief inhaler nearby at all times, just in case symptoms flare up. 

Following these simple steps can put you on the road to better health – and a fun and relaxing spring! For more information on asthma and allergies, visit the AARC's consumer web site, www.yourlunghealth.org .

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