Allergic Respiratory Diseases - Chronic Diseases

Allergic Respiratory Diseases Treatment Abroad

Overview

Trouble breathing can come from a variety of issues, but a long-term condition is often the result of respiratory allergies or responses, such as asthma. Most often, allergies come from inside the home, which increases the risk of troubled breathing, and can result from factors such as:

• Pet dander
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Tobacco smoke
• Chemical fumes from paint
• Cockroach debris

Each of these factors can increase risk of allergic reaction or asthma in a patient. Those suffering from asthma experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing. Allergic respiratory diseases are often separated into two categories: irritants and allergens. Allergens include particles that are breathed in, such as pet dander, mites or mold, while irritants are usually fumes, coming from paint used in the home to tobacco smoke.

Respiratory allergies and asthma do not go hand in hand – one person may experience allergies and not asthma, or vice versa. Respiratory allergies also feature the following symptoms:

• Wheezing
• Itchy nose, throat and eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing and coughing

Procedure

Various procedures will help diagnose respiratory diseases or asthma. A physical exam, complete medical and family history and pulmonary function tests will determine what type of respiratory disorder a patient suffers from. Lung function tests include:

• Methacholine challenge – Helps your physician determine if you suffer from asthma.
• Spirometry – A breathing test used to determine the quantity of air you can expel from the lungs.

X-rays will help your physician see the state of your lungs, heart and chest. Some breathing conditions are a result other medical issues, such as pneumonia, and an x-ray will help narrow down the cause of breathing problems. A CT scan will help analyze the quality of the lungs and offer the physician detailed images for proper diagnosis.

Allergy tests will also determine the cause for respiratory diseases. Tests include:

• Challenge test – Patient is introduced to different allergens orally or through inhalation
• Blood test – Also known as radioallergosorbent test, or RAST
• Scratch test – An allergen is applied to broken skin

Treatment

If allergens are caused by factors in the home, the best way to reduce breathing problems is to remove the triggers. A facemask will protect the respiratory system while a patient is outdoors doing yard work, while a thorough cleaning from a professional cleaning company will remove allergens from the ducts within the home to reduce breathing irritation. Washing bed linens weekly will cut down on dust mites or dander, and avoiding pets will help treat breathing ailments.

Antihistamines, decongestants and inhaled steroids offer breathing relief to patients experiencing symptoms related to allergens or asthma.

Benefits of Allergic Respiratory Disease Treatments

Benefits of such treatments allow patients to breathe easier and not experience the related allergic symptoms such as watery eyes or sneezing. With management of respiratory diseases, the quality of life for the patients is drastically improved.

Treatment and medication will allow patients to get outside and enjoy nature, possible have pets in the home and partake in many activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Cost of Allergic Respiratory Disease Treatments

Depending on the stage of respiratory intolerance or disease, patients can spend between $1,600 and $10,000 USD for treatments, while the same treatments are often 75-percent less in Mexico. Medications for treating allergies or asthma typically cost $200 USD, while in Mexico they are around $45 USD.

Choosing Your Doctor

Physicians and D.O.’s (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) today often offer their patients alternative chronic illness and chronic infections medicine and treatment therapies in conjunction with current treatment plans. D.O.’s are fully trained and licensed physicians, just like M.D.’s, who may specialize in surgery, family medicine, pediatrics and so forth. However, D.O.’s treat the body unit as a whole, using what is commonly referred to as the “whole person” approach.

You can fight Allergic Respiratory Diseases! We are here to help you!