Thursday, January 26, 2017

Living a Full Life With an Asthma Diagnosis

There may have been a day and age when a diagnosis of asthma could stop any man, woman, or child in their tracks. Today, however, living a full life with asthma is not an impossible task, especially if you get the help of a trained, knowledgeable allergy/asthma specialist in Glendale, AZ. So take three deep breaths and check out these tips.

First Breath: Have a Professional in Your Corner

Actually, the first step in living life beyond asthma is making scheduled visits to a specialist who is trained to correctly guide you and is familiar with the ins and outs of asthma. Find an allergist in Glendale who knows the causes and facts of the illness and how to help you best manage life so that you will thrive.

Second Breath: Create a Plan for Treatment

When you meet our allergy specialists about your symptoms, listen carefully to their instructions. They may recommend you incorporate the following into your treatment plan: medications (quick-relief and ongoing), immunotherapy injections for allergies, anti-IgE treatments, and vaccines.

A plan should have some action to it, a "what to do in case of an attack". Some circumstances are worsened by differing situations. Having an awareness of what may trigger your asthma will empower you to live the life you want.

Third Breath: Illness Reduction

Many times, asthma can be triggered by respiratory illnesses and/or pollutants in the air. Taking good care of your body and avoiding colds, the flu, and various bronchial infections will add an extra layer of protection to the care of your lungs.

Live the Life You Deserve

Having a plan in place can help you overcome many obstacles presented by asthma. Things that would otherwise be difficult (such as traveling, exercise induced asthma, or pregnancy) can become not just manageable but no problem at all.

If you are ready to discuss ways to live a full life - in spite of asthma - call or schedule an appointment today with a Phoenix area clinic to get testing at the Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates , P.C. Professional allergists, helping the Glendale, AZ area breathe a little easier.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

What? You think that you have Food Allergies?

Your immune system prevents the invasion of your body by infectious organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and molds. These invaders are recognized as foreign by the cells of the immune system and are destroyed. But nothing, including your immune system, is perfect and that leads us to food allergies. A mistaken identification sets off a cascade of events that can lead to a very serious reaction.

Do all foods cause allergies?

While the potential is there for every food, certain types are more likely to cause allergic reactions. Peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, shellfish and wheat are the likeliest suspects. The proteins in these foods have certain similar characteristics that make them appear alien to your body.


Skin and mucous membranes:
  • Itching - Both the mouth and skin.
  • Flushing - Blood vessels dilate and the skin turns red.
  • Swelling - The skin and mucous membranes swell up as fluid from the blood seeps into the tissues.

Upper respiratory system:
  • Nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose - Also due to seepage of fluid from the blood to the tissues.
  • Stridor and wheezing - Swelling and edema of the voice box, trachea and bronchial tubes.

Lower respiratory system:
  • Cough and shortness of breath - The lungs can fill with fluid in severe cases.

Gastrointestinal system:
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain - Secondary to swelling in the walls of the intestines.

Cardiovascular system:
  • Hypotension, shock and death - As fluid leaves the blood vessels, blood pressure drops and the heart no longer pumps efficiently.

Most cases resolve spontaneously and fatal cases are rare. Children frequently outgrow their sensitivity to milk, soy and wheat. But allergies to peanuts, nuts and shellfish tend to persist and run in families.

If you have a family member with food allergies, you want the best possible care. You want a Board Certified Allergist who will use science based knowledge to keep the ones you love safe. Too many supposed "specialists" depend on treatments that have no scientific basis. Keep your family safe. Set up an appointment with a real allergy specialist today for allergy testing.