Take steps to prevent asthma problems

Contributed by Ricky Swearingen, D.O., medical director of Catholic Healthcare West's Urgent Care in Ahwatukee.

Question: My daughter was recently diagnosed with allergic asthma. Is there anything I can do to help alleviate her symptoms during the summer months?

Answer: Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, and almost 90 percent of all kids suffering from childhood asthma have allergies as compared with about half of all adults. More than 10 million Americans suffer from allergic asthma, meaning when they breathe in an allergen, also known as a trigger, their airways become inflamed and they begin to cough or wheeze.

Because allergens are everywhere, it's important that people with allergic asthma understand their allergy and asthma triggers, as well as learn the facts about preventing asthma symptoms.

There are several things you can do to help alleviate symptoms this summer:

• Avoid being outside on days when the air pollution is high or there are strong winds.

• Stay indoors when pollen is at its highest levels, at dawn and dusk.

• Shower before you go to bed to get rid of allergens.

• Keep your windows closed at night and use your air-conditioner to keep your home cool and dry.

• Dust and vacuum your house frequently.

• Keep stuffed animals and other items that collect dust to a minimum, especially in your bedroom where people spend the majority of their time when they are at home.

• Take your shoes off before coming inside to avoid tracking pollen into your home.

• Change your air filters frequently to help clean the air in your home.

Be sure to speak with your physician for additional preventive steps.

For more information, call 480-728-4000.