November 7, 2007

Is it Asthma or Flu?

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year—for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Just as fall is winding down, you can rest assured that most of the pollen producing flora is dormant—and those dust mites that made your summer nights unbearable are going to be dropping like flies now that the air is drier. Even most of the irritants that are created by smog and its related green house gases are no longer a primary concern once October is in full swing. Before you start rejoicing, it is important to realize that a barrage of colds, viruses and flu is headed your way—which is worse for atopic individuals than for people with normal immune systems.

Staying healthy is a priority for everyone—especially in the colder seasons, when illnesses spread rampantly. For those who have allergies or asthma, fending off germs can be more difficult than it is for individuals with normal immune systems, simply because their immune systems are constantly spent on fighting allergens. In addition to this, colds, viruses and flu can actually cause increased asthma symptoms.

If you know what you need to stay healthy over the winter months, the holidays will be a breeze.

To do this, it is important to figure out how to break the cycle between colds and allergic reactions in order to keep yourself from being sick.

1. Avoid Allergen Residue

In spite of the fact that the number of allergens produced has decreased substantially, there are still many that remain in your living environment. You house could be equated to a dust pan that has collected a variety of allergy nightmares over the spring, summer and fall months.

Only the most thorough cleaning can rid your house of allergens lurking in the corners. No corner can be left un-swept or drapery unwashed.
Avoid the down comforter and opt for allergy bedding. The dust mites may be slowly dying off due to the cold, dry conditions, but don’t let that fool you! They still consider your bedding to be their playground. Using encasements for your pillows, mattresses and comforters can cut down on your exposure to allergens—but good old hot water can help, too! Read more about ridding your bedding of dust mites.
Replace your furnace with a high efficiency particulate air filter. You will be able to remove far more allergens than with a normal filter. Dynamic Air Cleaners makes a panel filter for your HVAC system that require no more installation than your previous filters. Keep using your bedroom air purifiers if you have trouble with indoor allergies– a great bedroom sized model is the IQAir HealthPro Plus.

2. Figure Out If It's Asthma or Illness

This is particularly important in the case of children, because often they are too young to determine if they are being affected by allergies, asthma or illness. The key is staying healthy by avoiding the colds going around– this way, you will have less severe allergy and asthma attacks.

Fevers are not associated with allergies. Though your raised temperature is a natural method to rid your body of germs and viruses, make sure that you monitor it and make an appointment to see your doctor is the temperature rises to high or persists for more than a couple of days.
Symptoms that are constant for more that one or two weeks should not be mistaken for allergies or asthma. If you are not feeling well for a longer peropid than 1-2 weeks, see your doctor.
Tightening of the chest is associated with asthma, but it is also common for infections in the throat to travel to your brochial area. If you are an asthmatic and had a recent infection, pay close attention to whether you are developing frequent dry coughs, wheezing, difficulty breathing or chest pain. See your doctor immediately.
Blocked up ears can be a sign of allergies as well as a cold, and can be eased by using decongestiants. If you have any pain in your ears, see your doctor immediately.
Sinusitis (or sinus infection) can affect those with allergies as well as people with normal immune systems. Take decongestants to aleviate pressure and see your doctor if symptoms are severe or prolonged.

Filed under Allergies, Asthma, Air Quality by Dan Buglio