Allergy & Asthma News

January 2006

 

SINUSITIS: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sinusitis

Sinusitis is one of the most diagnosed diseases in the United States. It affects approximately 16% of the adult population and is responsible for nearly $5.8 billion in health care costs annually.

Sinusitis occurs when there is an inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses, the hollow cavities within the cheek bones found around the eyes and behind the nose. The primary function of the sinuses is to warm, moisten and filter the air in the nasal cavity.

Sinusitis is very common in the winter and can last for months or years if inadequately treated. It can affect the nose, eyes, or middle ear. Symptoms of sinusitis include some or all of the following:

  • Thick yellow-green nasal discharge
  • Bad-tasting post-nasal drip
  • Cough
  • Head congestion and an accompanying headache
  • Feeling of facial swelling
  • Toothache
  • Constant tiredness
  • Occasional fever

Click here for the rest of the article.

 

 


Reducing exposure can reduce symptoms of occupational asthma

MILWAUKEE-Americans experiencing symptoms of allergies or asthma in the workplace, might actually be allergic to work. Up to 15% of adult asthma cases in the United States have job-related factors, and it accounts for approximately 24.5 million missed work days annually.

According to the American Academy of Allergies, Asthma & Immunology, occupational asthma is generally defined as a lung disorder caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust or other potentially harmful substances while on the job. To continue reading, click here.

 


Asthma patients report better asthma control when seeing an allergist,
from the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology

MILWAUKEE — Compared to patients receiving care from primary care physicians, asthma patients who are under the care of an allergist report fewer asthma control problems and less severe asthma symptoms, according to new research in the December 2005 Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).  Read more….

 


Ingredients in cold medicines replaced

The Washington Times
Marguerite Higgins

Jan. 5--Pharmaceutical companies increasingly are replacing cold medications containing pseudoephedrine with reformulated products in an effort to keep their remedies on store shelves for the current cold and flu season.

State and local lawmakers in the past two years have begun restricting sales of over-the-counter drugs containing pseudoephedrine, a popular nasal decongestant, because the ingredient can be used to make the illegal narcotic methamphetamine.  Read more….

 


Food Allergen Labeling Law to Go into Effect January 1, 2006

 HealthNewsDigest.com

December 26, 2005

(HealthNewsDigest.com).. On January 1, 2006, the Food Allergen Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), which requires food labeling of the eight major foods or food groups that are considered allergens, will go into effect. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these groups, which include milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soy beans, are responsible for 90 percent of all documented allergic reactions.

Its important to note that according to FDA, FALCPA does not require food manufacturers or retailers to re-label or remove products without the new labeling already on store shelves as long as the products (click here for full story…)

 


Explore link between allergies and asthma

Assess your risk for asthma, and learn how to lower that risk.  New online slide show and quiz explores the relationship between allergies and asthma and the role of allergy shots. 

Click here to take the quiz

 


INDOOR ALLERGY SURVIVAL TIPS

For millions of Americans, "allergy season" never ends. Colder temperatures that eliminate the problems of grass and tree pollens also drive people indoors where they meet troublesome dust mites, animal danders, and mold spores. Most indoor environments actually trap airborne allergens where they can pose a risk to respiratory health.

Many people with allergic rhinitis also can be at risk of developing allergic asthma. Symptoms to watch for are a persistent cough or wheezing. To assess your risk of allergic asthma, visit this new online program and self-quiz.

An allergist can evaluate asthma and allergy symptoms, perform (click here for the full story….)

 


 Remember, winter months are often worse for asthmatics so it is important to use your daily controller medications and to use peak flow meters.  Call us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your allergies or asthma.

 

Suzanne Weakley, M.D.
ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(832) 912-1188 Fax (832) 912-1217
Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology
Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine