You At Your Best

BY KAREN RICE YOU AT YOUR BEST Millions of people – about 26 million in the United States alone, including about 7 million children - have asthma, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma has become increasingly prevalent in all sex, age and racial groups since the early 1980s. It is one of the most common and costly diseases, and still has no cure. Asthma is more than occasional wheezing or feeling out of breath during physical activity. Asthma is chronic and can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fast breathing, and chest tightness, states the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA.) For those who cannot find relief, asthma attacks can prove deadly. Although there is no way to prevent asthma, by following a plan, there are ways to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks. Most of these tips involve reducing contact with allergens that can trigger asthma attacks. At home In the 21st century, people spend significant time indoors at home, school or work, and indoor air environments could be triggers for asthma. Improving indoor air quality can help people breathe clearly. Allergens such as mold, dust mites, pet dander and fur, and waste from insects or rodents thrive in many homes. Ensuring indoor air quality is high can cut back on the amount of allergens in the air.. • Wash linens and clothing in hot water to kill off any dust mites. The water temperature should be at least 130 F. • If pets trigger a reaction, keep companion animals off of furniture and beds where they can leave fur and dander behind. Limit the rooms in which pets can stay. • Put allergy-proof covers on pillows. • Vacuum at least twice a week with a HEPA air filter-enhanced vacuum cleaner. • Routinely replace HVAC system filters to help prevent allergens from blowing around the house. • Reduce humidity around the house, as it can lead to the prevalence of mold. Mold is a common asthma trigger. That means using a dehumidifier, keeping bathrooms clean and dry and repairing any leaks promptly. • Insist that people who smoke tobacco products do so outside of the house. Secondhand smoke has been shown to increase the development of asthma and other chronic respiratory illnesses. Thirdhand smoke, or THS, may be unfamiliar to many people. THS is an invisible combination of gases and particles that can cling to clothing, cushions, carpeting, and other materials long after secondhand smoke has cleared from a room. Studies have indicated that smoke compounds can adsorb onto surfaces and then desorb back into air over time. • Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases released from commonly used products. These can include paints and varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, new furniture, and new carpet. People with asthma may find that VOCs can trigger attacks. Airing out items, reducing usage of products that are heavily scented and choosing low- or no- VOC products can help. Outside, work and school You may have less control over allergens outside of the home, but there are still ways to cut down on attacks. • Avoid smoking areas outside of stores and office buildings. • Know the office cleaning schedule and work around those hours. • Keep stress at a minimum because intense emotions can bring on asthma symptoms, according to Paul Ehrlich, M.D., coauthor of "Asthma Allergies Children: A Parent's Guide." • If possible, stay inside during ozone alerts, when pollen counts are high or when the air is very humid or stagnant. • Be sure physical education teachers are aware that gym class may trigger asthma attacks in your children. In addition to these tips, a rescue inhaler can help quiet a potential attack. Always carry it with you and keep it handy. Effective ways to manage Allergies and your hearing BY DR. DUSTIN RICHARDS WOLFPACK HEARING CLINIC Everyone loves spring. The windows are down, the birds are singing, the sun is shining, there is color in the trees & flowers. However, the downside to the blooms and that warm breeze is the dreaded "A" Word. Allergies. Allergies affect millions every year, but did you know it can affect your hearing? Hearing loss caused by allergies is a form of Conductive Hearing Loss. As your body reacts to an allergen, you notice things like itchy watery eyes, the way you breathe, change in mucus, sneezing, cough. What you may not have noticed is the transmission of sound getting blocked. Your reaction to the allergies cause the outer ear and ear canal to itch or swell, this can block or hinder the sound to pass through and prevent you from hearing. Allergies can also lead to fluid building up in your middle ear. This fluid can block your eustachian tubes. As a result, you can get the feeling that your ears are full or clogged and experience some measure of hearing loss. Also, fluid left untreated can lead to ear infections and further damage to your hearing. As an audiologist and owner of Wolfpack Hearing Clinic, I have seen and studied the negative effects hearing loss has on your whole health. Your ear is a marvelous device, and with a little attention, focus, and education, it will add value to every aspect of your life for a very long time. Even if you believe,"it's just allergies," please, do not delay in getting treatment. It may be difficult to tell the difference between temporary hearing loss caused by allergies and more permanent sudden hearing loss but a medical professional can confidently make that distinction AND recommend the best treatment to move forward and protect your hearing. Contact Wolfpack Hearing Clinic TODAY and schedule your hearing evaluation, a hearing aid cleaning & adjustment, or just to talk more about allergies and YOUR Hearing. We can't wait to connect! Call us at (479) 957-9300. asthma Asthma is one of the most common and costly diseases, and still has no cure. SPONSOR CONTENT SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 | APRIL - ALLERGIES & ASTHMA NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 7 Located in East Fayetteville 2630 E Citizens Dr. #7 (479) 957-9300 wolfpackhearing.com Our patients succeed. You will, too! Best of Northwest Arkansas the

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