Tag Archives: asthma clinic

Can’t Afford Asthma Medicine? Here are Possible Alternatives

Millions of people around the world are living with asthma. For one thing, asthma can be detrimental to one’s daily life. It can also be caused by several triggers including excessive physical exertion and stress. Nonetheless, it is important to keep the symptoms in check to prevent asthma attacks. Also, you should consult an asthma doctor to help you manage your symptoms and live a normal life as possible.

Expense implications as an asthmatic person

As an asthmatic person, it can be challenging to stay healthy. That it is one of the most important arsenals of every asthmatic is the inhaler. It comes in handy in case of asthma attacks whenever and wherever you are. Unfortunately, asthma treatments can be way expensive whether you have insurance or not.

More so, if more than one family member (aside from you) suffers from asthma means additional expense. Consulting an allergist may also cost you fees to help manage your condition. In other words, asthma treatments can greatly impact one’s finances but usually have no choice but to avail to avoid further health complications.

Popular asthma treatments such as Ventolin and Symbicort can cost as much as hundreds of dollars per prescription. But the question is whether there are cheaper alternatives for asthma medications. The good news: yes, you can avail of asthma medicines that are way more budget-friendly and effective.

Cost-saving asthma medications

Here are some easy ways you can save on expensive asthma medications.

Deals and discounts

For one, several pharmaceutical companies offer enticing deals including asthma medications. You can even avail a year’s worth of asthma medicines depending on the deal and save money by using discount coupons and the like.

There are also programs specially meant for asthma patients that offer discounts or even free asthma medications. However, you might need to comply with specific requirements before you can avail of such deals.

Price comparison

Check various pharmacies and membership stores and compare their asthma medicine prices. From there, you would know which the best deals are and make a purchase decision depending on your budget.

Free samples

Your allergist doctor may give you some samples if he or she has some on hand. These samples are mostly given by sales reps who want medical experts (including your asthma doctor) to recommend their medicines to their patients. You can take advantage of these freebies while you still can. Unfortunately, these samples may only be limited and may be harder to get in the market after a few months or years. Your doctor knows better when it comes to properly manage your asthma.

Shift into another insurance plan

Make sure to stay updated with enrolment deadlines especially if you are planning to buy insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Your children may also qualify for your state’s health insurance program. You can also check other insurance companies’ websites as well. It is also important to note that you can file an appeal in case your insurance provider has denied payment for your asthma medications.

Why are asthma medications expensive in the first place?

Some reports revealed that the cost of asthma inhalers spiked as much as 56 percent from 2013 to 2018 depending on the brand. Some insurances do cover asthma treatment. However, some well-known asthma treatments may either be excluded or subjected to a higher copay.

Living in a low-income household can be more challenging when it comes to affordable asthma treatments. Research showed that those living in low-income areas have higher asthma rates. Imagine suffering from this condition and having no way to treat it with a limited budget in your pocket.

Until 2005, asthma inhalers contained CFC which is not environment-friendly but effective and affordable. As a result, this ingredient was eventually banned due to its potential environmental damage.

Later on, pharmaceutical companies were able to shift into patented ones without the CFC (in exchange for another ingredient, HFA) but did allow huge price increases. On a positive note, there are generic asthma medications now available that are more affordable.

Conclusion

Getting sick can be expensive. But sometimes, such medical conditions like asthma are usually inherited or because of their living conditions. Nonetheless, paying for medications can take a toll on your budget.

Fortunately, there are ways to avail of asthma medications without spending too much, as mentioned above. More importantly, feel free to consult the best allergist in Germantown for your allergy and asthma-related concerns.

Healing in the Time of COVID-19: How the Pandemic Can Help Improve the Global Healthcare System

There is no doubt of the extent of COVID-19’s impact on our daily lives. For one, we were forced to stay at home and encouraged to practice social distancing. Those with compromised immune systems should take extra caution to avoid contracting the disease.

Asthmatics should also take care of their health more than ever. You can consult an asthma doctor to help manage your condition. You might also have to keep asthma treatments in stock especially at this time of COVID-19. In extreme cases, you may have to visit an allergy clinic to prevent any symptoms from worsening.

The impact of COVID-19 on our global healthcare system

The ongoing pandemic has indeed wreaked havoc to our usual lives. Countries are focused on flattening the curve, but at the expense of millions of businesses and people’s normal routines. So far, there are already more than a million total COVID-19 cases all over the world – and still counting.

A lot of businesses have no choice but to close either for time indefinite or for good. Even first-world countries like the US and Italy got overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients flocking their hospitals. These countries, which supposed to have world-class healthcare systems, have already thousands of deaths and seem to continue to increase.

But what about other countries that do not have the same quality of healthcare as the US and Italy? We can just imagine how overwhelming it could be. The lack of healthcare equipment and facilities is another thing. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: no country is prepared for this global pandemic.

How COVID-19 can help improve our healthcare system

Despite all the chaos that is happening right now, there are some things that we can learn from it. First of all, we learned how to wash our hands. It seems simple, but so often we forget before this pandemic started.

We also learned to take care of our health more. As mentioned, those with compromised immune systems such as asthmatics should take extra care of their health. COVID-19 can make your asthma symptoms worse that can be potentially life-threatening.  An allergist specialist can also help provide treatments in case your asthma symptoms flares up.

We also realize that there is no social status when it comes to this virus. Even those in higher government positions are not susceptible to this disease. Businesses, whether start-ups and multi-billion-dollar companies, are all affected with the impact of COVID-19.

We need our front liners more than ever: healthcare personnel, store cashier, pharmacists, and everyone else who serves people in these critical times. National governments have already realized how important they are during this ongoing pandemic. For example, the US government provided paid sick leaves for these front liners.

Online consultations are also readily available for those who need advice on their medical concerns. For example, you can contact an allergy doctor in case of allergy or asthma attacks. Electronic prescriptions are also given in case you need to buy medicines.

How the healthcare system can become more efficient

About 10 percent of health workers in many countries contracted the virus. Unfortunately, a lot of our health workers around the world already succumbed to the disease.

This means critical times especially that we need them more than ever to help treat COVID-19 patients. If this continues, our healthcare system will be greatly affected, cases will soar, and the situation can last until next year or so.

That is why we need not only protect ourselves but especially our front liners, including health workers. For one, our health workers need ample supply of personal protective equipment (PPEs).

Aside from that, health workers should have shifting periods so they can rest and take care of patients more efficiently. There should also be proper training for health workers in recognizing respiratory illnesses and especially COVID-19. There should also be a strong hospital surveillance system to help prevent the further spread of the virus.

Conclusion

We will never know when this pandemic will exactly end. In the meantime, we need to protect ourselves from contracting the disease. Wash hands frequently, stay at home and pray for our front liners. Utilize the use of technology to stay connected and get the help you need.

Save important contacts such as an allergy specialist doctor if you have asthma or allergies. An allergy physician in Manassas VA can help provide medication for your condition.

Life in Time of COVID-19: How to Keep Yourself Sane During Quarantine/Lockdown

As the COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc to our lives, we have no choice but to stay indoors and wait until everything is sort of okay already. This is actually the easiest thing we can do to help the government and to flatten the curve. This is also a chance for us to rethink our overall health.

COVID-19 chooses no one. From infants to the elderly, everyone can be at risk of contracting this disease. More so, those with compromised immune systems and pre-existing conditions are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Those who have asthma are also at risk of contracting the virus.

If you are suffering from asthma or any kind of allergies, you should consult an asthma doctor. An allergist will help you give asthma treatments to manage your conditions. Other than that, you should stay at home and build your health defense from this disease.

Why you should stay at home

A lot of countries implemented lockdown. This means citizens should stay at home to avoid the spread of the disease. Meanwhile, the government should also do their part in protecting their constituents from the disease. Businesses closed for the meantime and events got canceled as well.

For one thing, we should not downplay the impact of the disease. As of date, there are already more than 1.2 million total COVID-19 cases around the world. Out of these cases, about 70,000 have already perished. However, somehow good news is that more than 260,000 have already recovered from the disease.

As mentioned, there are people who are at higher risk of having COVID-19. These people should be extra cautious not to go outside as much as possible. If you have asthma and other kinds of allergies, you can contact an allergy specialist doctor. He or she will recommend the best asthma treatments to help manage your condition.

The doctor can also provide electronic prescriptions in case of medical needs. That is why you don’t have to worry about going outside to have an appointment at times like these. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms such as dry cough and difficulty in breathing, you should contact the nearest hospital for proper treatment and management.

How quarantine works

You should have a 14-day self-quarantine if you have been exposed to a COVID-19 patient. The same should also apply if you have been in a place where there are confirmed COVID-19 cases. However, even those without direct exposure and travel history should do quarantine as well.

It’s for everyone’s safety after all. Even those who don’t have symptoms can be a carrier of the virus. It can be more dangerous because you might be infecting a loved one without you knowing it.

Being on quarantine means you should not go outside, especially those who have travel history and exposure to a COVID-19 case. During that period, you should monitor for any signs of the disease like coughing, sore throat, and breathing difficulties.

If you are living with someone who manifests such symptoms (or if you are that person), make sure to follow quarantine protocols. Make sure to stay inside a designated room, wear protective equipment when needed, and disinfect more often.

What you can do during a quarantine

In the meantime, we have no choice but to follow the authorities if we want this entire health crisis to be over soon. We are fortunate to have a home where we can stay and keep healthy and safe. That is the easiest thing we can do to help flatten the curve.

Here are some things you can do while on quarantine.

  • Avoid going outside as much as possible unless for emergency purposes (ex. buying food and medicine).
  • Avoid social gatherings and large crowds.
  • Practice proper hygiene. Wash hands frequently, wear a mask especially when going outside, and disinfect your home every now and then.
  • Make the most out of the quarantine period. Enrich yourself through online workshops, watch video tutorials, and rediscover your former hobbies.
  • This is also the time to bond with your loved ones. Play board games, have a movie marathon and let your kids help you with cooking.
  • Schedule general cleaning. Get rid of clothes and other personal stuff you aren’t using anymore. Consider giving some to charity later on.
  • Seize the opportunity to be working at home. Not all industries can work at home (ex. front liners, manufacturing, law enforcers, etc.) We should be thankful we still have jobs we can do in the comfort of our home.
  • In case of allergy attacks, contact an allergy physician to know the next steps to do.

It’s for our own good

Being in quarantine can be boring. More so, we don’t know when this pandemic will end. Then again, we should be thankful we are able to stay at home until everything’s already fine.

 

You should be more careful if you have a compromised health. In case of asthma or allergy attacks in times like these, make sure to contact the best allergist in Germantown immediately. They are available for online consultation and will provide the medication you need.

 

 

Double Danger: Will COVID-19 and Asthma Make Your Health Situation Worse?

We all live in a scary time due to the rapid spread of the dreaded COVID-19 virus. As of date, about 114 countries already have cases of this disease. As of March 10, the WHO reported more than 110,000 infected individuals and more than 4,000 deaths. Unfortunately, the figures might continue to rise in the days to come.

What is the COVID-19 virus?

For starters, a coronavirus is a group of viruses that affect a person’s respiratory system. This includes SARS, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19 viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), common symptoms of coronavirus, including the COVID-19, include dry cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing.

It can also take a toll on those with asthma since the virus affects the respiratory system. You need to visit an asthma doctor to help you manage the symptoms. Allergy testing might also be necessary to help rule out allergic triggers. In times like these, everyone should observe proper hygiene and be proactive if you experience the abovementioned symptoms.

Can asthmatics be more high risk due to COVID-19?

The CDC advised those who suffer from asthma to be vigilant with their surroundings. Those with asthma should also avoid large crowds, observe proper hygiene, and take vitamins to boost the immune system.

When necessary, stock up on basic goods that will be good for two weeks. Take asthma treatments as per doctor’s orders, or visit an allergy clinic if not feeling well due to your condition. Since the virus affects the respiratory system, it’s a good thing especially for asthmatics to double up their defenses.

The (somewhat) good news is that there is little to no link of the virus to asthma – at least in the confirmed cases in the US. However, the CDC and WHO report that those with asthma are still those who are at high risk of contracting the virus. Others who are at high risk include those who:

  • Came into direct contact with a COVID-19 patient
  • Are aged 60 and above
  • Have existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease

Those with asthma should be twice as careful when going outside or touching objects. However, this should not be applicable to the abovementioned people. Everyone, healthy or with medical conditions, should do their part on keeping themselves and others COVID-19-free.

Myths surrounding COVID-19 virus

Much has been said about this virus. While there are far worse pandemics in the past, this does not mean we should already downplay COVID-19. Everyone is at risk of contracting this disease. We can only so much to protect ourselves by following the authorities’ reminders in terms of cleanliness and proper hygiene.

Sometimes though, we cannot tell what legit news from fake ones is especially on social media. Here are some myths about the COVID-19 virus and the truths behind it.

The virus cannot thrive in hot and humid weather.

So far, there is no proven fact about this. In fact, the virus has already spread globally regardless of the climate. A lot of Asian countries, where weather is mostly warm and humid, have already reported thousands of COVID-19 cases in total. The same also goes with countries located in higher altitudes (many European and North America).

You can eliminate the disease by having a hot bath.

Regardless of whether you took a hot or cold bath, you cannot eliminate the virus that way. Unless you want to burn yourself with a hot bath, then go ahead and do it. This is the same as using a hand or blow dryers.

UV lamps and thermal scanners can detect COVID-19.

One should not use UV lamps to sterilize hands or other parts of the body. This is because UV radiation can lead to skin irritation. Meanwhile, thermal scanners common in airports and other public events. It can only detect fever, but not the COVID-19 virus itself.

Pets can spread or get infected with the coronavirus.

As of now, there is no proof that house pets can get affected by the virus. Still, it is best to wash your hands after touching your pets.

Be proactive at this trying time

If you have asthma and experiencing respiratory issues, make sure to visit an asthma doctor immediately. An allergy specialist can help you manage your asthma symptoms. If worse comes to worst, you should have yourself checked to confirm whether you have the dreaded disease or not.

Observing proper hygiene is still the best action to take to avoid the spread of the virus. Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, stay away from large crowds and disinfect your home with alcohol or bleach from time to time. Allergists in Germantown MD also recommend taking medications to avoid allergic reactions and asthma from getting worst.

When Getting Fit Does Harm than Good: Ways to Manage Exercise-Induced Asthma

To have a healthy mind and body, we need to have some kind of regular physical activity to keep your health in check. There are many reasons why we need to exercise. For one, we need to have an exercise to aid in weight loss. Regular exercise can also help in better heart health and strengthen our bones and muscles. It can also help in making us feel and look better than our actual age.

However, there are some people who dread exercise not because they do not like getting sweaty. Rather, it is because of the occurrence of exercise-induced asthma. This situation occurs when a person engages in certain physical activities and then experience difficulty in breathing. If you are one of those who experience exercise-induced asthma, you should consult an allergy doctor immediately.

What is exercise-induced asthma?

Also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), exercise-induced asthma can limit one’s physical capabilities. Like any other type of asthma, it can restrict one’s breathing that can cause complications if left untreated. It occurs when there is an obstruction in airflow, especially during exercise.

EIB does not occur immediately when you begin exercising. In fact, it usually manifests itself a couple of minutes after starting exercise and may begin to get worse about 5 minutes after you stop exercising. Some even experience another “wave” of EIB 12 hours after the last exercise. Once you feel breathing difficulties, it might be a good idea to visit an asthma doctor to help manage your condition.

What triggers exercise-induced asthma?

Contrary to popular belief, EIB does not happen due to exercise itself. Rather, it can be triggered by several factors. We tend to breathe harder, faster, and deeper when we do any intense physical activities.

Also, we tend to breathe more through the mouth when we exercise. In effect, breathing through the mouth can make the air cooler and dryer. In return, the cooler and dryer air can trigger bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. Apparently, EIB can be more likely to be triggered when you are doing physical activities with dry and cold air.

In addition, EIB can also be triggered by other factors such as pollution (smoke and fumes), pollen and dust, or colds. EIB can be more likely to occur if you have a history of asthma that runs through your family. In such cases, you should get asthma treatments to avoid further complications that can worsen your condition.

Symptoms and treatment

If you experience the following symptoms, you need to consult an allergist specialist for proper treatment. If left untreated, the symptoms can last for about an hour or so. It can also lead to worse complications if you do not visit an allergy physician immediately. You should look out for the following symptoms if you think you’re having an EIB attack:

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Fatigue especially after exercising
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Coughing/wheezing
  • Poor physical performance

People with a history of asthma and even professional athletes can be prone to EIB. Likewise, frequent exposure to dry and cold air, pollution, intense physical activities, and even chlorine from swimming pools can trigger EIB as well. If you are already struggling to breathe and no signs of improvement even using an inhaler, it is best to rush to the nearest allergy clinic immediately.

However, it doesn’t mean that you are already doomed not doing any kind of exercise anymore. After all, exercise is still one of the best ways to become healthy and free from certain diseases. However, you need to consider your choices when it comes to physical activities especially if you are prone to EIB.

For example, you can do some jogging or a relaxing walk instead of doing long-distance running. You can also engage in other sports and exercises that won’t take a toll on your breathing such as golf, gymnastics, or yoga. However, you can still do other intense physical activities just as long as you get the go-signal from an allergy specialist.

Keeping the mind and body healthy

Suffering from EIB does not mean you cannot do any physical activities anymore. It’s just a matter of choosing the right kind of exercise that won’t cause stress in your breathing. After all, we all need to have some kind of physical activity to be healthy physically and mentally. If you are experiencing the abovementioned symptoms of EIB, you should visit the best allergist in Germantown MD for proper treatment.