May
Newsletter
Issue: 5
May 2013
In This Issue
The Survey Says...
Office Proceedures
Allergy & Asthma News
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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

 

 

 

 



Eight foods account for 90 percent of all reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. Even trace amounts of a food allergen can cause a reaction. 

 

  

 

 

 




The Survey Says...

sneeze   

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology did a survey to find out which avoidance measures are being followed (or not). Here are the results and recommendations:

 

Leaving windows open

As a rule keep windows closed and the air conditioner on when it's pollen season. Set the AC to "recirculate," and if it's not hot outside, you can keep it in filter-only mode. Studies show that using an air conditioner in your car can cut the amount of pollen you breathe by as much as 30 percent.

 

Exercising outdoors at the wrong time

Since grasses and trees start releasing pollen at sunrise, levels peak in the late morning and early afternoon. Exercising in the late afternoon or evening outdoors has been long recommended by allergists due to the lower pollen counts. Exercising when the pollen counts are lower can make a big difference without the struggle.

 

Underestimating an air purifier

Room air purifiers and filters are an extremely effective way to remove pollen, animal dander, dust, and other allergens from indoor air. Keep doors and windows closed in the room where you're using one since it is only effective to filter room-size areas.

 

Expired EpiPen (autoinjector) and keeping them handy

For those persons with a history of a serious allergic reaction always replace expired Epipens, especially since these are life-saving medications. Leaving Epipens directly exposed to heat or cold destroys the effect and will not help in times of emergency. Keep them with you, much like your wallet - you never know when the need will arise. Lastly, KNOW how to use it.

 

Keeping clutter

Stuffed animals are major magnets for dust, a common allergy trigger for asthma and allergy flares. Limiting the number of stuffed toys and washing them weekly can help reducing exposure but sometimes this may not be enough, especially when the person is very sensitive to dust and would be good reason to give the toys away.

 

Ignoring your symptoms

Adults can become allergic to pets or pollen after years of allergy-free living. If antibiotics are required once or twice a year for sinusitis when the seasons change, this could be related to a pollen allergy and should be evaluated by an allergist.

 

Using down comforters

Feathered comforters can act as a reservoir for dust mites as well as can naturally breakdown over time making allergy symptoms worse. The cure - switch to polyester/fiberfill, but if you must have the down, encase them with dust mite covers.

 

Sleeping with your pet if you have pet allergies, current recommendations include keeping your pet outside the bedroom

"Your bedroom should essentially be an allergy-free zone," he said. For the same reason, you're better off with bare floors in the bedroom, or only using a rug or two that you can throw in the wash periodically.

 

Hypoallergenic pet

Sorry folks, but there's no such animal as a truly hypoallergenic pet. (Beyond a snake or lizard.) While some breeds are said to be less allergy inducing than others, experts say any furry animal can cause symptoms in susceptible individuals. Even hairless cats and dogs are allergenic; it's not the fur that makes people sneeze, but flakes of skin called dander and proteins found in the animals' saliva and urine.

 


Office Procedures...

As mentioned in last months newsletter, 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.  

 

The office will bill your insurance however, you may have a co-pay or deductible payment due at the time of service.  Our staff will collect payment if due when you check in.

 

Patient statements are sent monthly.  Remaining balances are identified and printed with a detailed explanation of covered or non covered charges.  Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to set up a payment plan.

 

We thank you for your patronage!

 

News from the Allergy World
 

 

Swedish researchers showed that children of parents who habitually sucked the pacifier were three times less likely to suffer from eczema at 1.5 years of age, as compared with the children of parents who did not do this. Source: Pediatrics

 

Researchers found that babies born by C-section are five times more likely to develop allergies than babies born naturally when exposed to high levels of common allergens in the home such as those from dogs, cats and dust mites. C-section babies have a pattern of "at risk" microorganisms in their gastrointestinal tract that may make them more susceptible to developing the antibody Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, when exposed to allergens. IgE is linked to the development of allergies and asthma. Source: Henry Ford Hospital and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

 

Casein, a milk protein, is often used in low-powder chalk. When milk allergic children inhale chalk particles containing casein, life-threatening asthma attacks and other respiratory issues can occur. Parents with milk allergic children should ask to have their child seated in the back of the classroom where they are less likely to inhale chalk dust, advises Dr. Sublett, Chair, ACAAI Indoor Environment Committee.

 

In a study by the Georgia Institute of Technology, pediatric patients who were asked questions about their symptoms and provided information about asthma via SMS text messages showed improved pulmonary function and a better understanding of their condition within four months, compared to other groups.

 

 

  
 
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

 

What summer activities can be problematic?
Summer sports and other outdoor activities can be difficult for those suffering from asthma symptoms or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Believe it or not, baseball games can create a hazard zone for those suffering from peanut allergies. When attending games, try to keep away from peanut shells and debris, and carry allergist prescribed epinephrine. Smoke from summer staples like campfires and fireworks can also be bothersome for asthma sufferers. Allergists advise to avoid smoke or sit upwind if possible.

Anyone with allergies and asthma should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night this summer. No one should accept less. As a board-certified allergist, I can identify the source of your seasonal suffering and develop a treatment plan to eliminate symptoms. 

 

Dr. Birjis Chinoy