About our practice
While no one likes going to the doctor we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience a medical office can offer. We offer comprehensive medical care, asthma and allergy care, well women care and skin care. We work in partnership with our patients to form individual plans to achieve their healthcare goals and needs.
Dr. Bernstein is board certified in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases. He is a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, Member of the American College of Physicians, member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Allergy, and a member of the American Academy of Laser Medicine and Surgery. Trudy Trumpy is well versed in adolescent care and well women care.
Our staff is here to serve you. We encourage feedback both positive and negative so that we can povide you the best possible care. |
Richard A Bernstein, M.D.
Trudy Trumpy, P.A.
Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergies, Cosmetic Laser Surgery
133 Defense Highway Suite 109
Annapolis Maryland 21401
410-224-5558
fax 410-224-7361 |
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The Asthma Rhinitis Connection
It is estimated that 25 % of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis. In years past we often thought of asthma and allergic rhinitis as separate illnesses. However we now know that what happens in the upper airway affects the lower airway. A certain percentage of patients with allergic rhinitis will go on to develop asthma. Treating allergic rhinitis effectively may help prevent some of the basement membrane changes that occur with chronic allergy which in turn may predispose one to developing asthma. Patients undergoing immunotherapy for allergic rhinits are less likely to develop asthma, than those who do not. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office or schedule an appointment.
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| Could I have Asthma ?
It is estimated that asthma affects 300 million individuals worldwide. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, a history of cough, recurrent wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Symptoms are often worse at night and can awaken people from sleep. Symptoms may worsen in a seasonal pattern. There is often a coexisting history of eczema, hayfever, or a family history of asthma. Triggers for asthma include animals with fur, chemicals, change in temperature, dust,reflux of stomach acid, drugs (such as aspirin, beta-blockers,or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications), exercise, pollen, upper respiratory viral infections, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, smoke, or stress and anxiety. Patients that have colds that frequently go to their chest and last more than 10 days often have asthma but do not know it.
The key to treating asthma involves maintaining a good level of control. Patients with good asthma control have few if any daytime symptoms, are unlimited in their activities, are not awakened from sleep with asthmatic symptoms, and maintain normal lung function. The treatment of asthma revolves around addressing underlying triggers, and the use of medications to maintain optimal lung function. All patients with asthma should have an asthma action plan according to the new recommendations from the Global Initiative for Asthma ( GINA). We are in the process of making sure all of our patients with asthma have an asthma action plan.
In order to maintain optimal asthma control, one needs to avoid risk factors (triggers), take medications correctly, understand the difference between controller and reliever medications, understand how to monitor the status of their symptoms using a peak flow meter, and recognize what steps to take if their asthma worsens.
Our fall seminar
scheduled on September 12 will focus on the new asthma guidelines,the treatment of allergic rhinitis,and other allergic conditions. We encourage all to attend.
If you would like to learn more about asthma we suggest you schedule a consultation or visit our website. |
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Medications in the News: Xolair Xolair is a medication,that binds to IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies,are part of an immune mechanism that is responsible for allergies. Xolair effectively binds to 95% of circulating IgE antibodies.It is indicated for the treatment of persistent severe asthma. It can be very helpful in helping to prevent the frequency of hospitalizations and decrease the need for oral and inhaled steroids used in the treatment of asthma.We have been using Xolair in our office since 2003 when it first became FDA approved. Xolair is given by injection in the physician's office. In the future,it is my belief that Xolair may become part of our treatment plan,for food allergies, urticaria, (hives) and the treatment of nasal polyps.Currently studies are underway, to look at the efficacy of Xolair in treating these medical problems. If you have further questions please contact our office or consider scheduling a consultation. |
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We appreciate you taking the time to read our newsletter. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to be please contact our office. We also have a primary care and nutrition newsletter as well as a newsletter devoted to skincare and anti aging. If you would llike more information on our practice please contact ur office or visit our website.
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