Entries by

Does living next to a freeway cause asthma?

In a recent article published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers  found that children who lived in a neighborhood facing intersections with major highways or railroads were 40% to 70% more likely to develop asthma than children who lived in a neighborhood that did not face a major intersection or railroad.   Studies […]

House Dust Allergy

Many people recognize allergy symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis) from dust exposure related to common household chores such as vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting. House dust exposure can also trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Why does house dust […]

Will peanut allergy soon be treatable?

Two studies presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) examine the use of oral immunotherapy in peanut allergic children and continue to add hope that a treatment may be on the horizon. Both were completed by researchers at Duke University and the University of Arkansas for […]

The Importance of Immunotherapy

If you suffer from allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis or stinging insect allergies, you may benefit from immunotherapy. Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of treatment that is aimed at decreasing sensitivity to allergens. Allergens, such as pollen, mold and animal dander, are substances that trigger allergy symptoms when an allergic person […]

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)

Because of it’s resistance to heat and drought, Bermuda grass is well suited for Arizona and the desert southwest.  Common Bermuda is propagated by seed and produces significant amounts of pollen. It is used extensively in school sports fields, parks, golf courses, and green belts.  Hybrid Bermuda grasses such as Tif and Midiron, are the […]

New Advair and Symbicort FDA Warning

This week the FDA announced their recommendations for label changes for products containing long-acting-beta-agonists (LABAs). Long-acting-beta-agonists are found in Advair and Symbicort, two of the most widely prescribed asthma medications in the US and Europe. The specific label changes recommended by the FDA for Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs) include: 1. Contraindicate the use of LABAs for […]

Is Your Asthma Under Control: The Rules of Two

What Does Well Controlled Asthma Look Like? Asthma is a long-term disease and although it cannot be cured, it can be controlled.  So what does well controlled asthma look like? Some have suggested that it would include the following: Infrequent symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath Minimal use of quick-relief medicines Normal lung […]