Asthma

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting children and is on the rise. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 7 million children in the United States are affected by asthma. Asthma attacks can be particularly frightening for children. During an attack, the lining of the airway swells as the muscles of the air passages begin to spasm. This causes a narrowing of the airway and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks typically develop slowly, over a period of up to 48 hours. For some children, symptoms can escalate quickly, worsening the attack. Symptoms of asthma attack … Continue Reading

Nearly 25 million Americans, almost half under the age of 18, have asthma. That is a staggering number. Asthma causes inflammation in the airway, making breathing difficult and causing a host of symptoms that can include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and tightening of the chest. Asthma is a serious chronic disease that can inhibit a person’s ability to lead an active lifestyle. When left untreated, asthma can lead to frequent emergency room and hospital visits. Fortunately, with proper treatment, most people can live an active and productive life with Asthma. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, we diagnose and … Continue Reading

Do you suffer from wheezing or shortness of breath? Do you have breathing problems that are affecting your daily activities? If you live in the Vernon Hills area, visit Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff of Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates/Food Allergy Center of Illinois to get help for your breathing problems. Breathing problems can stem from a number of things, from a common cold and sinusitis to allergies and asthma. For many patients, allergies and asthma occur together, which can be miserable if left untreated. Asthma is a common respiratory problem in which inflammation and airway constriction make breathing … Continue Reading

The word “allergy” may immediately bring to mind sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and a runny nose when a person is exposed to certain plants or animals. Allergic diseases are, however, many different things. Some of the most common allergy-related diseases include allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). The allergies may be triggered by a broad range of allergens — from certain foods to medications to the venom of stinging insects. Allergies also play a significant role in asthma. In some people, the same over-reaction to a substance that produces itchy eyes and rashes also affects the lungs … Continue Reading

Management techniques for a severe allergy or asthma caused by allergens predate World War I, but these allergy shots and medications to control less severe allergy symptoms have advanced tremendously in recent years. Today’s drugs for asthma and allergic diseases have eliminated most of the side effects of older medications, and the effectiveness of shots (immunotherapy) has improved dramatically. Board-certified specialists Dr. Noga Askenazi have her fingers on the pulse of safe and effective advances associated with the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases and related conditions, including asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Allergy Treatment Avoidance – After doctors at Advanced … Continue Reading

Imagine that you are trying to breathe, but it feels like there is a strong force squeezing your lungs tightly. Think what it might be like if you had to take all of your breaths through a straw. For many asthma patients, these scenarios are a reality as they try to live daily with asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways. Common symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightening of the chest. The symptoms of asthma can be overwhelming, but luckily, there are many treatment options to manage the … Continue Reading

Allergies are a condition that occurs when the body has an undesirable reaction to a substance to which it would not normally react. We use the term “allergic” when describing a specific sensitivity to an allergen. When patients are allergic to something, the body releases histamine that causes symptoms such as itching, stuffy nose, and sneezing. There are instances when a patient may not necessarily be allergic to a substance, but may instead have a sensitivity. True allergies and sensitivities are treated differently, so it is important to note the distinction. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates in Illinois, we … Continue Reading

Asthma is a condition that can ebb and flow. There may be periods when you experience worsening symptoms, but with the right care and attention, you can help keep your asthma under control. At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates, our team has the skills and expertise to help all of our patients who are living with asthma. Together, we can help you manage your symptoms to reduce frequency and severity, greatly improving your overall quality of life. Some things you can do to help manage your asthma include: Take proper care of yourself. People who suffer from chronic conditions can … Continue Reading

If your child is suffering from a recurring cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing, he or she may have a form of asthma. Asthmatic children often complain that their chests hurt, are unable to catch their breath, and have issues participating in physical activity without wheezing. The exact cause of asthma is unknown. In most cases, it is a combination of environmental factors along with a genetic predisposition to the condition. How childhood asthma is diagnosed Diagnosing children with asthma can be difficult. A one-size-fits-all test does not exist that can reveal the cause of your child’s symptoms. … Continue Reading

The underlying cause of asthma can often be difficult to pinpoint, or even be unknown. For most, asthma is the culmination of inherited risk factors and triggers within a person’s environment. Asthma is considered a genetic condition, so children whose parents suffer from asthma are at an increased risk for developing it. Asthmatic symptoms can often be grouped into the following categories: Allergens – Almost half of adults with asthma can link the condition to allergies, most of which developed during their childhood. For patients with this type of asthma, their immune system is triggered by inhalation of specific allergens. … Continue Reading