Your Guide to ALLERGIES ASTHMA COPD

B REATHING IS SOMETHING WE ALL NEED TO DO IN ORDER TO SURVIVE - AND THRIVE. ALLERGIES ASTHMA COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease … CAN MAKE SOMETHING AS BASIC AS BREATHING, A CHALLENGE.

A LLERGIES It is overreacting to an allergen which the body views as a foreign invader that must be stopped. To fight the invader, the body produces Immunoglobulin E antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. Blame Your Immune System

Pollen counts are highest in the morning.

S EASONAL A LLERGIES S PRING S UMMER F ALL T REES G RASS W EEDS

HOW TO PREVENT/DIMINISH ALLERGY SYMPTOMS Know before you go! Dust mask & goggles can help No clothes- lines Shoes & coats off at the door

A LLERGENS IN THE HOME 1. Kick Dust Mites Out of Bed 2. Vacuum Regularly 3. Use Light Window Treatments 4. De-clutter Your Home 5. Protect Your Air

M AKE YOUR BEDROOM A PET FREE ZONE Give pets their own space in another room Fido and Fluffy can make bad allergies worse

W HICH IS IT ?

C OLD OR A LLERGIES ? CharacteristicColdAllergy Duration 3-14 days Days to months -- as long as you are exposed to the allergen Time of Year Most often in the winter, but possible at any time Any time of the year -- although the appearance of some allergens are seasonal Onset of symptoms Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen Symptom ColdAllergy Cough OftenSometimes Aches SometimesNever Fatigue Sometimes Fever RarelyNever Itchy, watery eyes RarelyOften Sore throat OftenSometimes Runny or stuffy nose Often

ASTHMA Asthma is a chronic (long term) lung disease that causes inflammation and narrows the airways making it difficult to breathe.

A STHMA AFFECTS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND MOST OFTEN STARTS IN CHILDHOOD. W E DON ’ T KNOW THE EXACT CAUSE OF ASTHMA, BUT RESEARCH SHOWS IT IS A COMBINATION OF GENETICS AND EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS.

ASTHMA SYMPTOMS - symptoms are mild and go away on their own or after minimal treatment with asthma medicine. Wheezing Tightness in your chest Shortness of Breath Coughing ASTHMA ATTACK - very serious (can be fatal) and may require emergency care. Treat asthma symptoms to prevent them from getting worse and causing a life threatening asthma attack.

KNOW WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE USE MEDICATIONS CORRECTLY TRACK SYMPTOMS REGULAR CHECK UPS H AVE AN A STHMA A CTION PLAN

C HRONIC O BSTRUCTIVE P ULMONARY D ISEASE COPD is a lung disease that, over time, makes it hard to breathe. COPD means that the flow of air in and out of the lungs is less than it should be. When that happens less oxygen gets into the body tissues and it becomes harder to get rid of carbon dioxide. As the disease gets worse, it is harder to remain active due to shortness of breath. Most importantly, COPD can be prevented and can be treated.

COPD – 3 RD L EADING C AUSE OF D EATH IN THE US Constant cough or “smoker’s cough” Shortness of breath while doing activities that used to be easy Excess sputum production Feeling like you can’t take a deep breath Wheezing Most COPD patients were smokers at some point in their lives and the toxins from tobacco smoke directly resulted in the development of lung disease. Other things that put you at risk include second-hand smoke, breathing in chemical fumes, dust or, air pollution over a long period of time.

A RE YOUR LUNGS TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING ? Only a doctor can diagnose COPD Report to your doctor Ongoing cough Shortness of breath Fatigue Wheezing

T REATMENT Take your medicine as prescribed O 2 Therapy

QUIT SMOKING

R ESOURCES American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology American Lung Association Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America National Asthma Education & Prevention Program www/nhlbi.nih.gov/about/naepp COPD screening tool Virginia Asthma Coalition -

Q UESTIONS ?

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