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The
immune system helps the body defend against various microbes
and pollutants. However, the immune system itself can have
various failings. An impaired immune system is called immunocompromise
and can leave the body
vulnerable to various viral, bacterial or fungal opportunistic
infections. Causes of immune |
deficiency
can include various illnesses such as viruses, chronic illness,
or immune system illnesses.
The
other type of immune disorder involves an over-active immune
response. There are several different classes of diseases from
an excessive response by the immune system:
- Allergies
- a true allergy to a substance or food is caused by the immune
response.
- Asthma
- caused by an allergic reaction affecting the airway passages.
- Anaphylaxis
- an extremely dangerous over-reaction that can lead to shock.
- Autoimmune
diseases - a group of more than 100 diseases where the
body's own immune system gets confused and starts to attack
good body cells.
An estimated
20 million people in the United States have asthma and, despite
the availability of treatments, it remains poorly controlled
among many.
Despite
the far reaching effects of asthma, much remains to be learned
about what causes it and how to prevent it. Although Asthma
can cause severe health problems, in most cases treatment can
control it and allow a person to live a normal and active life.
Allergic
(extrinsic) asthma (asthma symptoms triggered by an allergic
reaction): Characterized by airway obstruction and inflammation
that is at least partially reversible with medication and is
always associated with allergy. Allergic asthma is triggered
by inhaling allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollens,
mold and etc. These allergens cause the passages in the airways
of the lungs to become inflamed and swollen. This results in
coughing, wheezing and other asthma symptoms.
Non-Allergic
(intrinsic) asthma (asthma symptoms triggered by factors
not related to allergies) Many of the symptoms of allergic and
non-allergic asthma are the same (coughing, wheezing, shortness
of breath or rapid breathing and chest tightness), but non-allergic
asthma is triggered by other factors such as anxiety, stress,
exercise, cold air, dry air, hyperventilation, smoke viruses
or other irritants. In non-allergic asthma, the immune system
is not involved in the reaction, as with allergic reaction.
The Role
of Heredity in Asthma
- Heredity
- To some extent, asthma seems to run in families. People
whose brothers, sisters or parents have asthma are more likely
to develop the illness themselves.
- Atopy
- A person is said to have atopy (or to be atopic) when he
or she is prone to develop allergies. For reasons that are
not fully known, some people seem to inherit a tendency to
develop allergies.
In addition,
several factors must be present for asthma symptoms to develop:
- Specific
genes must be acquired from parents.
- Exposure
to allergens or triggers to which you have a genetically programmed
response.
- Environmental
factors such as quality of air, exposure to irritants, behavioral
factors such as smoking, etc.
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Treatment
Because
each case of asthma is different, treatment needs to be
tailored for each person. Removing the things in your
environment that you know are factors that may make your
asthmas worse. When these measures are not enough, it
may be time to try one of the many medications that are
available to control symptoms.
Asthma
medications may be either inhaled or in pill form and
are divided into two types- quick relief and long-term
control. Quick-relief
medicines are used to control
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the
immediate symptoms of an asthma episode. In contrast, long-term
control medicines do not provide relief right away, but rather
helps lessen the frequency and severity of episodes over time.
Freedom
Pharmacy works with your physician and you to find the most
effect medications for your treatment. Freedom stocks all medications,
long or short-acting brochodilators depending on physicians
guidelines, Inhaled and Oral Corticosteroids, Leukotriene modifiers,
Long-acting beta agonists, nonsteroids, nebulizers and many
others.
Our
Pharmacists on staff are knowledgeable and give personalized
information specific to your care.
We
Care About You!
Allergies
Allergies
are diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction
to substances called "allergens". Allergies are grouped by the
kind of trigger, time of year or where Symptoms appear on the
body: indoor and outdoor
allergies (also called "hay fever," "seasonal," "perennial,"
or "nasal allergies"), food and drug
allergies, latex allergies, insect
allergies, skin allergies
and eye allergies. People
who have allergies can live healthy and active lives.
Treatment
Good
allergy treatment is based on the results of your allergy tests,
your medical history, and the severity of your symptoms. It
can include three different treatments strategies: avoidance
of allergens, medication options and/or immunotherapy (allergy
shots). Talk to your doctor about tips to eliminate the source
of allergens from your home and other environments.
There
are many safe prescription and non-prescription medicines to
relieve allergy symptoms. Many people do not take allergy medicines
because they don't take their symptoms seriously. The result
may be painful complications such as sinus or ear infections.
Consult
with your doctor and pharmacy to determine the best plan for
you.
Freedom's
team of pharmacists are ready to assist you with your allergies
whether it is prescription or non-prescription medication, they
will consult with your physician to obtain the best treatment
for you.
Freedom
Pharmacy carries a complete line of products, which include
inhalers, Quick- relief medicine and long term control medication.
Links:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
www.aafa.org
1 800-7-ASTHMA
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