05/25/2007

Help You and Your Child Breathe Easier This Summer
Scraped knees and bruised elbows are not the only dangers parents need to look out for this summer.

Asthma, a disease that affects over 17 million people, is of particular concern during the summer months, when allergens like pollen are more prevalent, and when children are getting more exercise. That is why May is designated National Asthma Awareness Month.

"In the past, we used to treat symptoms. Now we have two broad types of treatment: maintenance medication to prevent attacks, and treatment when attacks occur," said Dr. Rao Mikkilineni, vice-chairman of medicine at the Jersey City Medical Center and chief of pulmonary medicine. "You can be living a completely normal life despite having asthma, so long as you are educated and empowered."

Increased awareness has almost doubled the number of patients diagnosed with asthma in the last 10 years, even as treatments have improved, Mikkilineni said. In fact, 86 percent of patients admitted to the Jersey City Medical Center for asthma-related illnesses are released the following day.

Mikkilineni stressed the importance of discussing asthma symptoms with a doctor so that patients learn to identify triggers and monitor air flow.

"Just like patients with diabetes have to check their blood sugar, asthma patients need to monitor their peak air flow," he said.

There are two types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic. Allergic asthma, which is the most common, is caused by conditions such as pet dander, dust mites and mold. Allergic asthma, which affects over 50 percent of asthma sufferers, is the most easily treated with medication.

Non-allergic asthma is triggered by other factors such as anxiety, stress, exercise, cold air, dry air, hyperventilation, smoke, viruses or other irritants. In non-allergic asthma, the immune system is not involved in the reaction.

There are many steps that can be taken to reduce asthma symptoms. If pollen and mold are triggers, use an air conditioner, try to keep windows closed, and change the filter on heating and cooling systems frequently. To reduce mold, clean and air out bathrooms, kitchens and basements frequently.

To reduce dust mites, wash bed sheets weekly in hot water, cover mattresses and pillows in airtight covers and remove carpets and drapes. Objects that attract dust, such as flowers and stuffed animals, should be removed.

For more information about ways to control asthma, call the Jersey City Medical Center Department of Respiratory Therapy at: (201) 915-2696.

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