Asthma

Asthma is a very common chronic disease affecting millions of Americans and a major public health problem in the United States. There are over 5,000 asthma related deaths each year in the U.S. Mortality rates in the U.S. are among the lowest in the world, but has risen over the past 25 years.

Asthma, by definition, is a chronic inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes) with excessive mucus production and a thickening of the bronchial wall. This inflammation and mucus production results in narrowing of the airway passages and make it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness.

The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. It is important to remember that many of these symptoms can be subtle and similar to those seen in other conditions.

Allergy and Asthma

Allergies and Asthma have common traits and often occur together. The same allergens that trigger hay fever symptoms may also cause asthma signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. This is called allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma. Pollen, dust mites and pet dander are substances that commonly trigger allergy-induced asthma. Identifying allergenic triggers and avoiding these allergens is an important preventative step.

Victoria Allergy and Asthma Clinic can provide the following help and treatment options:

• Breathing tests.
• Diagnosis and management of respiratory disorders such as asthma.
• Testing for environmental allergens causing breathing and eye problems by skin test or blood test.
• Testing for food allergens by skin test or blood test.
• Patch testing; diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases of the skin including contact allergies.
• Adverse drug reaction testing, diagnosis and management.
• Diagnosis and treatment of stinging insect reactions.
• Comprehensive management and treatment of environmental allergies.
• Food allergies and intolerances.
• Evaluation of drug reactions including penicillin allergy.
• Environmental control and prevention of allergens.