Current Health Topics

May is Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

This May InterCare is increasing awareness of allergies and asthma, something that affects many people in our service area. Join us in learning more during Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month!

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects 20 million Americans, causing them to have difficulty breathing. While there is much to be learned about preventing and curing asthma, research has led us to prevention measures that allow people to effectively manage their asthma and lead normal lives.

Asthma is typically divided into two categories: allergic and non-allergic. This reflects whether a person's asthma is brought on by an allergic reaction caused by breathing in things such as dust mites, pollen or pet dander. Non-allergic asthma is brought on by environmental conditions such as cold air or smoke, or by physical conditions such as stress, anxiety, or exercise.

Both types of asthma conditions result in the person having an inflamed or obstructed airway, and lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Medication, such as inhalers, can alleviate some of this.
Allergies affect many, many people, and in many different ways. Some people suffer from outdoor allergies caused by grass, pollen, etc. -- as many can attest to right now! You often hear people say they have hay fever or seasonal allergies. Others suffer from indoor allergies, caused by reacting to such things as dust mites, mold, or pet dander.

Increasing numbers of people are being affected by food allergies, possibly dairy, peanuts, or other food items. In addition, some people have allergies to specific animals or insects (such as bee stings), or to certain products, such as those containing latex.

InterCare's providers can help you with your allergy and/or asthma conditions, both in getting correctly diagnosed as well as managing a treatment plan that enables you to have as few symptoms as possible.

For more information, visit the following websites:


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