The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recognizes all too well just how difficult springtime can be for allergy sufferers. That’s why the organization proclaimed May to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. The doctors at Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine, based in Anchorage, Alaska, want their patients to know relief is possible through a series of comprehensive tests.

This month, patients can undergo health care services that are designed to test for and recognize the presence of asthma and allergies, including:

• Spirometry Testing: This test aims to assess your lung function with a spirometer, which is a device with a long attached tube the patient uses for breathing. The patient’s nose is usually clipped to ensure the nostrils remain closed. To test lung function, the patient inhales deeply and exhales hard into the tube, while maintaining a tight seal around it to prevent air from flowing out. Doctors will ask you to perform this several times to ensure a consistent result and may prescribe an inhaler if they feel your lungs could benefit from treatment.
• Nebulizer Treatments: Nebulizer treatments are drugs that deliver medication into the lungs via a mist instead of liquid. Health care professionals may prescribe them to treat asthma or other respiratory conditions after performing an exam.
• Allergen Skin & Blood Tests: One of the best ways to determine the source of your allergies is by undergoing a skin test. The test is administered via a gentle prick on the skin’s surface. Your doctor will observe the surface for approximately 15 minutes. If a red, itchy bump develops, it indicates you’re sensitive to a particular allergen. Family medicine professionals may also suggest a blood test to analyze antibody content and determine allergies to distinct substances.

There’s no reason to suffer in silence or to continue taking over-the-counter medications without knowing the source of your misery. This month, take a proactive approach to your health. Visit the Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine website to learn more about their health care services, or call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an appointment.