Tag Archives: Asthma

Sound the asthma alarm

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A possible warning sign that your asthma is out of control: You’re using a quick-relief inhaler more than twice a week. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Summertime can bring asthma sufferers a lot of misery, but lung experts say watching for warning signs of breathing trouble can guard against serious complications.


“As the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health, we think it’s crucial for people with asthma to know as much as they can about the disease,” said Dr. David Hill, volunteer medical spokesperson at the American Lung Association.


“This includes the fact that changing seasons have a major impact on asthma. Being prepared for the summer and understanding warning signs can help prevent serious complications,” he said in a lung association news release.


Summer can bring increased pollen in the air, hot temperatures and associated ozone and particle pollution—all of which can trigger asthma symptoms.


There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled and managed.


Key warning signs that asthma may not be in control include needing to use a quick-relief inhaler more than two times a week, waking at night with asthma symptoms more than two times a month and having to refill a quick-relief inhaler more than two times a year.


If you have any of these warning signs, you should see your health care provider to improve management of asthma symptoms, such as reducing exposure to asthma triggers, the lung association advised.


Asthma affects about one in 13 people in the United States, including more than 6 million children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


It is the most common childhood disease but can start at any age. The rate of asthma nearly tripled between 1980 and 2010.


Research shows that rising temperatures due to climate change are leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons, according to the news release.


The lung association offers a free, online learning course about asthma triggers, how to identify and reduce them, action plans for flare-ups, how to respond to a breathing emergency, asthma medication education, and an asthma management plan outline.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Winter is coming

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Asthma can be a bear, particularly during winter. But there are ways to keep flareups at bay. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Spectrum Health Beat Staff

 

There are many things to love about winter. Sledding, skiing, building snowmen … you get the idea.

 

But if you suffer from asthma, winter can be one of the most challenging times of the year.

 

John Schuen, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, sees lots of kiddos and young adults with asthma-related issues.

 

He echoes the sentiment that cold weather is particularly tough on lungs and provided some of his top advice for how to stay active.

4 easy ways to help combat the wheeze:

1. Cover your mouth and breathe through your nose

Before heading outside make sure to cover your mouth with a scarf, turtleneck, neck gaiter or whatever you prefer. Covering you mouth helps warm up the outside air before it enters your lungs.

 

Dry and cold air is a prime trigger for airway narrowing, notes the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and focusing on warming and humidifying the air you breathe is key.

 

Breathing through your nose helps.

 

That may sound like a request from Ms. Manners, but breathing through your nose will help warm the air before it enters your lungs.

 

“We prefer that children stay active and involved in sports, even in the winter,” Dr. Schuen said.

 

He works with kids and teens who have cold-induced asthma to avoid issues when braving the outdoor temps. Sometimes that means suggesting the use of inhalers and medications “before going out into the cold Michigan winter.”

 

“This is in addition to covering your mouth with a scarf or face mask,” he added.

2. Take your exercise inside

Up to 90 percent of people with asthma encounter breathing difficulties while exercising. When you exercise, you generally breathe through your mouth, and the symptoms will only get worse if you’re breathing in cold or dry air.

 

For some people, this might include limiting activities like shoveling snow or playing outside in the winter months.

 

Consider taking your exercise indoors. Join a gym, invest in indoor exercise equipment, or learn some indoor routines that will keep you feeling great.

 

Definitely talk with your doctor about what you can do to prevent flareups while working out, such as warming up, pacing yourself, taking your medication prior to exercising, or the specific types of exercise you might want to consider. Sometimes short bursts of exercise or more leisurely exercise like walking or swimming work best.

3. Skip the cozy wood fires

We all know that cigarette smoke irritates asthma but did you know that fire smoke can have the same effect?

 

Wood smoke contains benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane. Small particles from the smoke can lodge inside the lungs, sometimes deep, aggravating asthma and causing other breathing issues.

 

Gas fireplaces are a bit better, but they still release nitrogen dioxide, which can irritate the lungs.

 

Smoke is smoke and there’s no getting around the fact that it causes problems for people with asthma.

 

Another note in this area: Make sure to replace your furnace filter and vacuum your indoor space frequently during the winter to keep allergens such as smoke particles, mold and pet dander low.

4. Keep germs at bay

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as eight out of 10 asthma attacks in children and four out of 10 in adults are triggered by viral infections.

 

Between RSV, the common cold, and the flu, winter is rife with viral hurdles. Get vaccinations, when possible. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer frequently, and try to steer clear of those who are sneezing or coughing around you.

 

Sometimes an infection can’t be avoided, so if you start to fall ill, stay home and keep yourself well-hydrated. Talk with your doctor about when you should seek medical care, or consider a MedNow video appointment so you can get treatment while at home. Try to keep your cold from turning into something more serious.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Did you know? Your child needs a check-up once a year

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Courtesy Cherry Health

 

By Cherry Health

 

Pediatric services are available at Heart of the City Health Center and Westside Health Center. Babies and children need more doctor’s visits when they are changing and growing the fastest. Get your child on the right health care path by scheduling an appointment today. We provide a full range of services under one roof.

 

Grand Rapids:

Heart of the City Health Center
Westside Health Center

 

Westside Health Center Pediatrics

 

At Westside Health Center Pediatrics, we want to take care of the whole patient by working as a team. We are improving what we do by changing the way we care for you.

 

Asthma care is provided as a team. The doctor checks the patient to make sure they have a healthy body. The RN Health Coach teaches the patient and family how to make living with asthma easier.

 

We also have team visits with a doctor and Health Coach for weight check ups. The doctor provides the physical check up at the visit. The Health Coach teaches the patient and family about healthy behaviors that are part of a healthy lifestyle, and helps the family set healthy living goals.

 

Complete health means taking care of our minds, too. When minds are not healthy, home and school can be difficult. Counseling services are provided on site in a place where the patient and family already feel comfortable. A psychiatrist is also on site to provide specialized help when needed.

 

Services available

  • Well child visits, sports, work and camp physicals
  • Immunizations
  • Lab work and diagnostic testing
  • Treatment for minor illness and injuries
  • Treatment for asthma, obesity and other conditions
  • Referrals for more serious illness, injuries and additional care
  • Access to behavioral health, dental and vision services
  • On-site pharmacy services
  • Free interpretation services
  • Online Patient Portal
  • Nurses available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for questions or assistance
  • Evening and weekend hours
  • Same day/next day appointments

Check out our new videos featuring asthma instruction and fun ways to get the kids moving!

 

Videos

 

Reach out and Read

 

Wyoming Community Health Center (courtesy Cherry Health)

Six of our locations participate in the national, research-proven school readiness program called Reach out and Read. This program, designed for children ages 6 months through 5 years of age provides a child with a new book at each regular check up to take home. Trained providers speak with parents about the importance of reading aloud and waiting rooms are filled with kids books. The goal of Reach out and Read is to help children be better prepared for kindergarten with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills and a six-month developmental edge.

Women Infants and Children Program (WIC)

 

Cherry Health collaborates with the Kent County Health Department to offer the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) at Cherry Street Health Center and Westside Health Center. This is a state-funded nutrition education and food supplement program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women and children up to age five. A registered dietitian provides counseling and education, as well as healthy foods to encourage proper nutrition, growth and development during pregnancy and the formative years of childhood. Breastfeeding education and support are also offered in the WIC Program. Pregnant women seen at any of our sites are offered WIC services, based on specific nutritional needs and income eligibility. For additional information, please contact 616.776.2134.

 

Maternal Infant Health Program

 

The Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) is a parent support and coaching program for pregnant mothers and infants. If you are pregnant or have a baby under a year old, and are Medicaid eligible, you can receive MIHP as part of your insurance coverage.

 

MIHP services are provided by a team to support and encourage new parents. Services can be provided in your home, our office, or another place that you choose in the community.

 

We can help you:

  • Feel prepared for your baby’s birth
  • Make good choices for you and your baby
  • Understand your pregnancy and your baby’s development
  • Find medical care for you and your baby
  • Find the right resources in the community

MIHP involves a whole team in supporting families.

  • Your nurse will answer your questions and give you information about healthy pregnancy and infant development.
  • Your social worker will help you adjust to your pregnancy and parenting, handle stress, and find the resources you need.
  • The dietitian will help you understand healthy eating for pregnancy and how to feed your baby.

Community health workers can provide support, encouragement, and education as well as hands-on help connecting to resources in the community.

 

The community health workers are part of the Strong Beginnings program, which provides enhanced services for African-American and Latina moms participating in MIHP.

 

If you would like to receive MIHP and Strong Beginnings or learn more, please contact the MIHP Manager at 616.965.8332.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.