In the United States, 25 million Americans suffer from asthma and more than 50 million Americans have allergies. May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and there’s no better time than now to educate yourself on asthma and allergies if you haven’t already done so.
Today, your right-hand McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will highlight everything you need to know about asthma and allergies.
Asthma is a chronic, long-term condition that is caused by the swelling of your airways. This results in the narrowing of the airways that carry air from the mouth and nose to your lungs.
Many things can trigger asthma with some of the most common being airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and particles of cockroach waste. Physical activity, respiratory infections like the common cold, and cold air can also trigger asthma for those who suffer from it.
Luckily, if you suffer from asthma, you can keep it under control by doing the following:
An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance referred to as an allergen. Allergies are usually from a substance in the environment that is harmless to most people.
The causes of allergies vary from person to person, but the most common causes include:
Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Different conditions can cause different symptoms.
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause the following symptoms:
A food allergy can cause the following symptoms:
An insect sting allergy can cause:
A drug allergy can cause:
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, can cause the skin to:
Fortunately, allergies can be controlled and managed if done correctly. Allergies can be managed by using antihistamines, decongestants, and allergy shots.
Asthma and allergies can be serious conditions if not managed properly. However, thanks to modern medicine and proper care, it is possible.
In honor of May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness month, you can acknowledge the importance of this event by seeking treatment for asthma or allergies if you or a loved one are suffering from either or both, or simply by spreading awareness on the matter.
No one wants to live a life dealing with symptoms caused by allergies or asthma, contact the Glatz Group today to make an appointment!
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Many of us look at healthcare as a process where our doctors make decisions, and we simply listen to those decisions. However, your comfort, preferences, and personal needs should play a significant role in your healthcare, including choosing the right doctor in the first place.
Selecting the right ear, nose, and throat (ENT) is just as important as choosing any other kind of doctor. Whether you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or sinus problems, or need a procedure like a balloon sinuplasty, picking a doctor who will acknowledge your concerns and meet your needs is essential.
Picking a doctor can be tricky, but today your experienced McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list three steps to ease the process.
Before you can decide which ENT will align with your needs, you need to identify exactly what those needs are. ENT doctors specialize in specific fields and often have more experience dealing with certain issues or age groups than others.
Personal factors that could come into play when choosing an ENT include:
Once you have a clear picture of your own needs and preferences, you can begin researching ENTs in your area.
Next, you will need to gather information about the ENTs you are considering. You can then use this information to narrow down your list of options. Using the ENT’s own website, state websites, and Healthgrades.com, you can learn a lot about the ENT’s experience, history, and personal information. Aspects that you should consider include:
Ideally, you will find an ENT with experience regarding your specific needs, age, and gender. You also may wish to choose an ENT of the same gender as yourself if that will make you more comfortable sharing personal information. Another approach you can try is to check reviews from existing patients in order to verify that the ENT has a history of good service.
If any of this information isn’t available online, you can ask the ENT or their office directly.
Finally, another way to ensure that the ENT you’ve chosen is the best possible fit for you is to call and speak with the ENT or their office to get more information. This is a good way to learn more about the ENT’s specific experience, training, and history of surgery complications.
Beyond that information, consulting with an ENT before you make your final decision will give you the opportunity to gauge whether or not the ENT’s communications style works for you. You need to be able to have open and clear conversations with your doctor regarding your needs and concerns. This means getting complete answers to any questions you may have, feeling free to voice any concerns, and having your concerns respected and addressed. Your ENT should be interested in getting to know you and your needs in order to give you the best service possible.
Consulting ahead of time will also allow you to ask about the doctor’s telehealth capabilities. While virtual appointments don’t replace in-person visits, they can reduce the number of trips you will need to make to the doctor’s office. Check-ups on symptoms and routine follow-ups can often be carried out over video or phone, saving you time and effort.
It is also worth noting that calling ahead will let you verify that the ENT is covered by your insurance. Unfortunately, the amount of insurance coverage available is usually the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a doctor. Regardless, it is best to be absolutely sure to take the aforementioned details into account when evaluating between the ENTs covered by your plan.
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