Asthma & Allergy Associates, P.C.

Acute vs. Chronic Sinusitis

Whether acute or chronic, sinusitis constitutes 20% of patient visits to allergists. In fact, according to the American Association of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are roughly 18 million cases of chronic sinusitis in the US per year. But what exactly are the differences between acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis?

• The main difference is how long symptoms last. Acute sinusitis lasts for up to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts longer than twelve weeks and sometimes much longer.
• Acute and chronic sinusitis are caused by different things. Acute sinusitis is often caused by an infection, whether it is viral, bacterial, or fungal. The majority of cases are caused by a virus. Various health conditions increase the risk of developing acute sinusitis, such as allergies, tooth infections, a deviated septum, and nasal polyps or tumors. Chronic sinusitis is often caused by allergies, facial trauma, nasal polyps or tumors, respiratory tract infections, a deviated septum, or other medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux.
• Some symptoms may vary between the two. While most symptoms (facial pain or pressure, headache, thick mucus) are the same, acute sinusitis is sometimes accompanied by fever, while chronic sinusitis can cause nausea.
• Medication may differ from acute to chronic sinusitis. If either is caused by a bacterial infection, doctors will often prescribe antibiotics. However, with a chronic case, the antibiotic course will often last longer than that of an acute case, which generally lasts from 10 to 14 days. Additionally, surgery is an option in some chronic cases.

For more information on sinusitis, call Asthma & Allergy Associates, P.C. in Colorado Springs at (719) 325-7508. Allergists Dr. Robert Nathan and Dr. Daniel Soteres provide expert care for patients suffering from sinusitis, allergies, and asthma.

Pollen Report for 5/15/12

Today’s pollen report for Colorado Springs:

Provided by Asthma & Allergy Associates P.C., Dr. Robert Nathan and Dr. Daniel Soteres

Trees- High (Oak and Pine)

Grass- Moderate

Weeds- Moderate

Pollen Tip: If you think your outdoor allergy is getting worse, you may be right. And global warning may be the culprit.

That’s not good news for millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma, recent studies suggest that increasing temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are causing spring season to arrive earlier. This means that pollination starts sooner. Tree pollen is the most common trigger for hay fever. Fall allergies, primarily caused by ragweed, are also getting worse because ragweed grows faster and produces more pollen per plant.

Global warming is especially bad news for asthmatics whose flare- ups are triggered by allergen or ozone pollution.

·          Remember to keep windows closed as much as possible to prevent pollen from drifting into your home

·          When gardening avoid touching your eyes and face

·          Take a shower after spending time outside; pollen can collect on your hair and skin

·          Do not hang laundry outside to dry pollen can collect on the clothing

·          Pay attention to the pollen levels; check our website daily for the most up to date, accurate and reliable pollen levels.

Provided by Asthma and Allergy Associates P.C. Dr Robert Nathan and Dr. Daniel Soteres

For more information on asthma or allergies in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, contact Asthma & Allergy Associates, P.C. at (719) 325-7508 today or visit our website!!!

Pollen Report for 5/14/2012

Today’s pollen report for Colorado Springs:

Provided by Asthma & Allergy Associates P.C., Dr. Robert Nathan and Dr. Daniel Soteres

Trees- Moderate 

Grass- Low

Weeds- Low         

Pollen Tip: Asthma is an allergic disease that causes frequent episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness. It is common for people with asthma to also suffer from allergies, so your allergist may conduct a thorough allergy and breathing test to find the cause of your asthma. Studies have shown that care by an allergist can decrease the number of asthma flare-ups and the need for emergency care. You and your allergist can work together to ensure that your asthma is well-managed, so that you can participate in normal activities.

Provided by Asthma and Allergy Associates P.C. Dr Robert Nathan and Dr. Daniel Soteres

For more information on asthma or allergies in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, contact Asthma & Allergy Associates, P.C. at (719) 325-7508 today or visit our website!!!

Pollen Report for 5/10/2012

Today’s pollen report for Colorado Springs:

Provided by Asthma & Allergy Associates P.C., Dr. Robert Nathan and Dr. Daniel Soteres

Trees- Moderate 

Grass- Moderate

Weeds- Low         

Pollen Tip: Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eye react to allergens with symptoms of reddening, itching and swelling. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, often results from allergen exposure to your skin. Symptoms include itching, reddening and flaking or peeling of the skin. Symptoms begin in childhood for 80% of those with atopic dermatitis, Over 50% of those with atopic dermatitis also develop asthma.

Provided by Asthma and Allergy Associates P.C. Dr Robert Nathan and Dr. Daniel Soteres

For more information on asthma or allergies in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, contact Asthma & Allergy Associates, P.C. at (719) 325-7508 today or visit our website!!!

Types of Allergies and Their Symptoms

Many people also suffer from allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies. Allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are both caused by air-borne particles which trigger an uncomfortable immune system reaction. Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is often caused by dry climates or urban areas, while food allergies are caused by the body’s reaction to certain proteins in food

As these conditions have different causes, being informed is the first step to alleviating symptoms. This informative video can help you better understand what causes allergic reactions and therefore avoid them when possible.

Asthma and Allergy Associates, P.C. provides comprehensive care for allergic conditions of all kinds. For your convenience, our expert allergists are located in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. For more information, please call (719) 325-7508.