* Asthma is present in about 10% of children.

* Asthma in children is diagnosed when your child has recurring episodes of wheezing that are relieved by rescue medicine such as albuterol

* Asthma in children is treated with the same medicines and treatment plans as in adults with adjustments for their size and metabolism.

Children have a lot more wheezing than adults.

A simple upper respiratory infection or common cold causes many children to wheeze.

But, a single episode of wheezing while ill doesn’t mean a child has asthma.  A key feature of asthma is the recurrence of wheezing, along with its reversibility by a bronchodilator/inhaler like albuterol.

How many children who wheeze when sick go on to have recurrent wheezing and asthma?  We don’t know for sure.  But we do know that infection with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) early in childhood is associated with the appearance of asthma.

The bottom line: asthma in children is a very big problem.

In 2016, about 6 million children were diagnosed with asthma.  That makes it  the most common chronic disease of childhood.

Untreated, asthma in children threatens them with death, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and school absenteeism.

Childhood asthma is treated with the same medications and strategies as in adults. Since they are kids there are adjustments in medication dosage, and some differences in severity classification.

Unfortunately, like adults, children are often not treated according to the National standard of care.

Asthmaniac is designed to serve them as well.

At Asthmaniac, pediatric expertise is always on-deck to make sure our approach to children with asthma is aligned with National standards.

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WE ALL DO!

What does “affordable” mean?

It could be what you pay out-of-pocket before you have met your deductable (assuming you have health insurance).

Or,

If you don’t have health insurance, you probably think of affordability in the following ways:

… what it costs to go to the ER (thousands?!!),

… what it costs to see a regular doctor (assuming you can find one that will give you an appointment, around $150)

…  what it costs to go to an urgent care (around $150).

Well, I can do better than that.  I keep my per visit price to nearly half of an urgent care or regular office visit. 

With Asthmaniac, it is all online/on-the-phone, and all about asthma.  

If you are looking for top quality asthma care at an unbeatable price with back-pocket convenience, Asthmaniac is your ‘clinic’!

As with other chronic diseases, affordability is important for Asthma Control

* The cost of asthma control can be a barrier:

* Many costs of asthma care can exceed what those without insurance can afford.  These include:

* The cost of asthma medication.

* The cost of doctor visits

* The cost pulmonary function testing.

I endeavor to keep my consults to you AFFORDABLE.

And, I am constantly looking for the best way to get you medication that fits your budget. 

 I am committed to designing a method that asthma patients can actually afford to use.

A method that keeps them breathing deeply, sleeping soundly, and striding through their days with new confidence in managing their asthma.

Asthmaniac is that method.

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Triggers for wheezing (bronchoconstriction) include:

* Pollen

* Dust Mites

* Cockroaches

* Mold

* Pet dander

* Tobacco Smoke

To prevent wheezing, you need to avoid these triggers.

If avoiding them isn’t possible, I can prescribe medicine suppresses the effect of triggers.

As you have learned, asthma symptoms occur when the breathing tubes or bronchi, clench down.  

This is called bronchoconstriction.

Bronchoconstriction blocks the flow of air to your lungs, creating labored breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain..

In most patients with asthma, this bronchoconstriction is ‘triggered’ by something outside of your body.  

Quite often, this ‘something’ is a breathable, microscopic particle.  When these particles land in your airways, they launch an allergic reaction in your airways.

These particles are called allergens.

There are a number of natural and man-made allergens that can trigger wheezing and asthma attacks.

Pollen from trees and plants that you inhale is one of the most common and difficult to avoid when you are outside.

The most problematic indoor allergen is dust mites.  These microscopic white insects eat the dead skin cells we humans shed.  These skin cells build up in carpet, upholstery, and bedding and sure enough, that’s where the mites will be.

Bronchoconstriction is triggered when microscopic parts of mite skeletons and mite fecal droppings are inhaled. 

Cockroaches are another big problem for asthma patients.

Cockroach fecal droppings can be inhaled in the same way as dust mites, leading to bronchoconstriction.

Another indoor allergen is mold .  A mold grows, microscopic spores are released and can be inhaled.  In some patients with asthma, these spores can trigger wheezing.

Some of our favorite pet companions can trigger wheezing.  The hair fiber of dogs and cats is composed of microscopic flakes called dander.

Dander is a powerful allergen in some people. 

Fortunately for us and them, bathing dogs and cats weekly dramatically reduces how much dander they release.

It comes as no surprise that Tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of bronchospasm.

With short-term inhalation, tobacco smoke irritates the lining of the bronchi causing bronchospasm.  

With repeated inhalation, permanent damage occurs to the lungs, leading to emphysema and lung failure.

Other irritants that can trigger bronchospasm include: wood smoke from wood stoves, heaters and fireplaces, and, 

strong chemical odors released from perfumes, solvents and paint.

My Strategy for Handling Triggers

Every patient has a unique response to triggers.

Usually, the most powerful trigger can be identified by you through past experience .  

The most important thing you can do to limit these trigger effects is to avoid the source of the trigger.  

While this sounds simple, it can be difficult to achieve in daily life.  

There are specific strategies that I will recommend for trigger avoidance.

But, when avoiding the trigger is not possible, I will prescribe medicine designed to help your airways resist bronchospasm from inhaled triggers.

As you can see, controlling triggers is a really important part of keeping your asthma controlled.

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Introducing Asthmaniac: Your Partner in Asthma Control

Asthmaniac: Your Solution to Asthma Control

Asthmaniac.com is more than just an online clinic; it’s a comprehensive solution to help you gain control over your asthma. Here’s how Asthmaniac is tailored to meet your needs:

• Focus on Asthma Control: Asthmaniac stands out with its 100% focus on asthma. By concentrating solely on asthma care, we have a deep understanding of the most modern techniques for asthma control and how to help patients master these treatments.
• National Standards-Based: Built around well-defined National Standards for Asthma Care, Asthmaniac’s recommendations are state-of-the-art, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest clinical practices.
• Telemedicine Methods: Leveraging smartphone and telemedicine methods, Asthmaniac eliminates the need for in-person clinic visits. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the convenience of accessing care from anywhere.
• No Insurance Needed: Asthmaniac believes in making asthma care accessible. By keeping insurance companies out of the equation, we ensure fair and reasonable costs for your out-of-pocket expenses.
• Electronic Prescriptions: Embracing modern technology, Asthmaniac sends electronic medication prescriptions directly to your pharmacy. Say goodbye to paper prescriptions and enjoy efficient, convenient refills.
• Online Symptom Assessment: Asthmaniac integrates proven online symptom assessments, such as the Asthma Control Test (ACT) into its clinic. You can take the test anytime, providing valuable insights into your asthma control.
• Peak Expiratory Flow: Monitoring your lung function is crucial. Asthmaniac utilizes peak flow meters to detect early changes in lung function, guiding adjustments in medication and action plans.

Follow-up Care is Key

Asthma control requires consistent follow-up care. Asthmaniac simplifies this process with easy phone-based follow-up visits, ensuring that your asthma management remains on track.

Asthma Action Plan

Active involvement is essential for asthma control. Asthmaniac develops a personalized Asthma Action Plan that evolves with your changing needs, providing a roadmap for optimal self-management.

Why Asthmaniac?

Asthma, though controllable, often receives inadequate care. Asthmaniac addresses this gap with:

• Consistent, Quality Strategies: Asthmaniac provides reliable strategies for asthma control, following guidelines from the NIH.
• Expert Guidance: With over three decades of experience, Asthmaniac offers expert guidance through its blog section at Asthmaniac.com. Subscribe for regular updates and expert insights.

If you’re ready to take control of your asthma, Asthmaniac is here for you.

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According to the World Health Organization, climate change is one of the biggest global health threats of this century. Many people don’t realize that climate change can also affect those with allergies and asthma. 

Rising temperatures, increased air pollution, and longer pollen seasons can all have an effect on the symptoms of people with allergies and asthma. 

In this article, we’ll explore climate change and asthma and how individuals can manage their asthma now and into the future.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to any large shifts in temperatures and weather patterns over a long period of time. While some of these shifts are natural,  the main driver of climate change since the 1800s has been human activity. Burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), manufacturing, and agriculture all produce heat-trapping gases such as carbon dioxide which trap heat in the atmosphere. 

How Does Climate Change Affect Asthma?

There are a few main ways that climate change affects asthma.

Air Quality

Because climate change can lead to longer pollen seasons and higher temperatures, this can be especially bad for people with asthma. As temperature rises, air pollution also increases, making it difficult for those with asthma to breathe. 

The climate change-induced increase in ground-level ozone has been shown to reduce lung capacity, increase asthma symptoms and worsen overall air quality. Ozone is a powerful lung irritant and can trigger asthma attacks.

Allergy Season

Warmer temperatures also make it easier for mold, dust mites, and other air pollutants to thrive, which can worsen asthma symptoms. Pollen counts tend to be higher for longer periods of time in regions with climate change. This means that people with asthma have a greater risk of being exposed to allergens and developing asthma attacks.

Similarly, extended or shortened seasons due to climate change can have an effect on asthma. For instance, climate change may cause warmer winters and earlier springs. This could lead to longer and more severe allergy seasons, triggering increased asthma symptoms due to higher levels of allergens in the air for a longer period of time. 

Natural Disasters

In addition, climate change has been linked to an increase in severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods and heat waves that can cause disruption for those with asthma. 

Climate change is also causing more frequent and intense droughts, which can lead to wildfires that create smoke-filled air that makes it difficult for those with asthma to breathe.  The combination of heat and air pollution can also worsen asthma symptoms. 

Climate Change and Asthma: How to Protect Yourself

 It is clear that climate change has a direct effect on asthma, exacerbating existing conditions and creating new health risks for those with the condition. Research on asthma and climate change has found that the best way to protect yourself is to reduce your exposure to climate-related triggers. 

Reducing exposure to air pollution and pollen can help lessen asthma symptoms. This includes staying indoors in air-conditioned environments during air quality alerts and high pollen days, changing the filter regularly if using an air conditioner, and washing exposed skin and clothes when returning from outdoors. 

Additionally, you can reduce mold exposure by avoiding damp indoor environments and thoroughly drying the area after a flood or leak.

Finally, it is important to stay informed on climate change and asthma-related research to ensure that you are taking all necessary steps to protect yourself. With climate change only projected to worsen, understanding the connection between climate change and asthma can help you reduce your asthma triggers and lessen the risk of exacerbations. 

Preparing for Allergy, Asthma, and Climate Change

As most asthmatics know, many things are outside of our control. While you may not be able to change climate conditions, you can still take steps to reduce your risk of asthma exacerbations due to climate-related factors. Here are some tips for how you can best prepare for climate change and allergies:

1. Monitor pollen and other allergen levels in your local climate. Knowing the forecasted levels of allergens, such as mold, pollen, and dust mites, can help you plan ahead. This can be especially important if climate change is expected to bring more allergens into your area.
2. Reduce your exposure to outdoor allergens by limiting outdoor activities during high-allergen days or times of day.
3. Make sure you have a good air filtration system in your home to reduce allergens inside.
4. Stay informed about climate change and air pollution trends, as they can have an impact on asthma-related symptoms.
5. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about climate change and how it may affect your asthma or allergies. Optomizing your asthma control plan is an excellent way to manage your asthma in a changing climate.

Learn How Climate Change Can Effect You With Allergies and Asthma.