APRIL
Newsletter
Issue: 4
April 2013
In This Issue
Blow Away Spring Allergies
Patient Check in & Check out
Allergy & Asthma News
Like us on Facebook
Contact Information
Allergy & Asthma Solutions
8000 Warren Parkway
Suite 200
Frisco, TX 75034
 
469-633-1818

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8am -6pm
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Carrollton Office
2008 E. Hebron Parkway
Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75007
Thursday only by appointment

 

 

 

 



The Dallas Morning News 2013-04-02:  
Everything's bigger in Texas, even, evidently, our allergy problems. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation  of America released a list of the worst U.S. cities for allergy sufferers today on its new allergycapitals.com site, and Dallas is ranked as #23, thanks to our lovely mountain cedar. 

 

 

  

 

 

 




Can you Feel it in the Air...

  

Spring Allergy Questions Answered 

 

Spring is in the air - and that means pollen, mold spores and other airborne allergens are going to bring on sneezing and wheezing for an estimated 50 million Americans.

 

The spring season can be especially intense and bothersome with so much conflicting information on how to find relief. To help you better understand spring allergies and combat symptoms this sneezing season, here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

 

1. Why does it seem like more and more people have spring allergies? 

This is likely due to increased awareness and more people taking the steps to being properly tested and diagnosed. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, pollen counts are gradually increasing every year, which can cause heightened symptoms.

 

2. Do spring allergy symptoms only last during the spring months?
The length of the season can help determine the severity of symptoms. For many areas of the country, spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer. Mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollinate early. A rainy spring can also promote rapid plant growth and lead to an increase in mold, causing symptoms to last well into the fall months. Allergists recommend starting medications to alleviate symptoms two weeks before they begin. If you have a history of prior seasonal problems, start your medication at the first sign of any symptoms.

 

3. Will eating local honey cure allergies?
A common myth is that eating a spoonful of local honey a day can build allergy immunity. The idea is that bees pick up pollen spores from flowers, transfer them to their honey and help you better tolerate pollen. Seasonal allergies are usually triggered by windborne pollen, not pollen spread by insects. There is no scientific evidence that honey will provide any benefit or reduce 
allergy symptoms. Your best bet? Talk to your allergist about ways to avoid allergy triggers, the best medications to treat symptoms and whether immunotherapy (allergy shots) could be beneficial.

 

4. Is there such a thing as spring asthma?
Allergies and asthma are often worse during different times of the year due to environmental allergens. An estimated 75 to 85 percent of asthma patients have allergies. These allergic responses in the lung can lead to symptoms of asthma. If you have spring allergies, this can be why you have more asthma symptoms during the season. Those that believe they may have symptoms of nasal allergy or asthma can find a free screening program in their area by visiting 
www.acaai.org/nasp.

 

5. Can you suddenly develop seasonal allergies in adulthood?
Yes. Although allergies are common in children, they can occur at any time and any age. Sometimes allergies go away, but they also can come back years later. If you suspect you have an allergy, you should keep track of your symptoms with 
MyNasalAllergyJournal.org and see an allergist to find relief.

 

"By understanding what allergens trigger your symptoms and how to avoid them, you can find relief from spring allergies this season," says Dr. Richard Weber, an allergist and ACAAI president. "An allergist can help you find the source of your suffering and stop it, not just treat the symptoms."

 
Allergies and asthma are serious diseases during every season of the year and that's nothing to sneeze at. Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment can be dangerous. To learn more about these conditions, and locate an allergist in your area, visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org 
  

Patient Check in & Check out...

Please remember to check in and check out at each visit.  This helps our staff update and maintain accurate records.  If you have any change of insurance notify our staff and provide them with an updated insurance card or information of the change.  

 

News from the Allergy World
 

 

Adults, Asthma and Allergies

A recent study showed that nearly two-thirds of all asthmatics also suffer from allergies. While it was known that 60 to 80 percent of asthmatic children were affected by allergies, it was thought that allergies were not as common in adults, according to a report published in "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology".

 

Fat, Fiber and Asthma

Individuals with severe persistent asthma consume more fat and less fiber than healthy individuals, and this is associated with reduced lung function and increased airway inflammation, show study results. Patients with severe asthma had a higher total fat intake than healthy controls, at a mean difference of 5 g/day. Furthermore, for each additional 10g of fat consumed, the likelihood for severe persistent asthma increased by 48%. This study suggests that fiber has a protective role in asthma.

 

Non-respiratory signs of worsening asthma in children

National guidelines recommend that children with asthma be treated early in the course of an asthma attack by recognizing early signs of worsening asthma. Parents are often given asthma management plans to guide treatment of their child's asthma. Some of these plans may include cold symptoms as early signs of worsening asthma, but most parents focus treatment on later signs such as wheezing. Little is known about other early signs of worsening asthma, especially which non-respiratory symptoms such as changes in behavior or appearance may be present before an asthma exacerbation. Specific non-respiratory symptoms that were significantly increased were paleness, irritability, anxiety, tension, tiredness, and sleeping problems.  One specific upper respiratory symptom that was significantly increased was an itchy throat. This study showed that parents can identify early signs and symptoms of worsening asthma and those non-respiratory symptoms may be more commonly present than respiratory symptoms prior to asthma exacerbations

 

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice by Dr. Lisanne Newton and colleagues

 

 

  
 
Allergy and Asthma Solutions is accepting new patients.  If you or a family member or friend need to make an appointment please call our office and we will schedule you immediately.


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A Message from Dr. Chinoy 
Dr. Chinoy

 

Spring is in the air. From weeds to spores to grass and tree pollens, the warm weather and wind is driving airborne allergen levels through the roof. That means your allergy symptoms -- the sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes -- are in overdrive and these symptoms could last for months.  I invite you to allow me to diagnose and treat your symptoms to make your spring season enjoyable.


 

Enjoy the spring season and as always we are here to help you with all your Allergy and Asthma needs.  

 

Dr. Birjis Chinoy