Allergies Asthma Washington DC

An Allergist Washington DC Trusts Discusses Asthma and Allergies

Many Washington DC residents suffer from allergies, and some also suffer from asthma.  At Black & Kletz Allergy, each allergist treats patients who have allergies, asthma, or related conditions.  Many people suffer in silence for far too long before seeking treatment and improving their health. Call us without delay to schedule an exam with our allergist.  If you live in Washington DC, whether you have allergies, asthma, or both, we may be able to help you live a more active and healthy lifestyle.

The Treatment of Asthma

As your Washington DC allergist at Black & Kletz Allergy might tell you, there is no cure for asthma. However, treatment is available to mitigate the effects of asthma and the allergies that often cause them. Successful treatment of asthma offers patients the following:

• The ability to live an active, fulfilling life with the ability to perform physical tasks and activities without fear of experiencing a potentially devastating asthma “attack.”
• The ability to attend school or perform one’s job without having to take time off due to asthma exacerbations.
• The prevention of debilitating and chronic symptoms.
• The prevention of emergency visits to the hospital and/or doctor.

Asthma Medication

Those who suffer from asthma and/or allergies can often find significant relief from prescription medications.  At Black & Kletz Allergy, our patients have greatly benefited from asthma medications and/or allergy immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots, allergy injections, allergy desensitization, allergy hyposensitization) in conjunction with avoiding triggers (e.g., allergens).. Depending on your diagnosis, an allergist in Washington DC may prescribe medications that fall into one or both of the following types of asthma medications:

1. Anti-inflammatory medication –  For our patients in Washington DC who have asthma an anti-inflammatory medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid may be very effective.  It reduces the inflamed airways and bronchial hyperresponsiveness which leads to narrowing of the airways and increased mucus production that are the hallmarks of asthma.  This type of medication is taken daily up to several weeks, after which time it should control asthma. The patient’s airways will become less sensitive and therefore less likely to be vulnerable to triggers.
2. Bronchodilators. Some of our patients in the Washington DC area find relief from asthma triggered by allergies with the use of a medication known as a bronchodilator. It relaxes the muscles that constrict the airway. In this way, it opens the airway which makes it easier to inhale and exhale. It also becomes easier to cough out excess mucus.
3. Beta-agonists. These come in short-acting as well as long-acting forms and are effective for preventing symptoms of asthma caused by exercise.
4. Anticholinergic, such as tiotropium bromide. A common example is Spiriva Respimat is a long-term maintenance medication for those who suffer from asthma.

Taking Asthma Medication

Whether or not your asthma is triggered by allergies in Washington DC, you can take asthma medication in one of several ways:

• Oral medication that is swallowed in the form of liquid or pills.
• An inhaler that doses the medication as a dry powder inhaler, asthma nebulizer, or a metered-dose inhaler.

If you are suffering from asthma that may or may not be triggered by allergies, contact us at Black & Kletz Allergy to schedule an appointment with an allergist Washington DC patients recommend to learn about treatment options.