Today, the Florida Lung Doctors are bringing you some “Plain Talk” about asthma as well as some hints for talking to your doctor about your condition. We will also introduce late-breaking news of recent asthma research.

As a starting point, here is a common question about asthma: How many types of asthma are there? Actually, asthma is diagnosed based on the triggers that provoke an attack. The Florida Lung, Asthma & Sleep Specialists invite you to check out five types of triggers in our “Asthma Gallery,” below:

ALLERGIC TRIGGERS:  Individuals who suffer from this are troubled by allergens. Attacks can be brought on by mites, molds, pet dander, and of course, pollen. Spring or early autumn can become miserable, so follow your doctor’s advice on medication.

NON-ALLERGIC TRIGGERS:  Patients with this form of asthma can not tolerate airborne irritants like tobacco smoke, wood smoke, and room deodorants. An attack might begin in response to perfumes, air pollution or cooking odors. Respiratory infections, sudden changes in weather or heartburn can also trigger non-allergic asthma.

OCCUPATIONAL TRIGGERS:  If a patient has symptoms only during working days, “occupational” asthma to chemicals or animal products in the air at work can pose problems. (Yes, it is possible to seem allergic to work!)

NOCTURNAL TRIGGERS:  This is a double whammy: Either non-allergic irritants or allergens can cause these night time attacks. Simply reclining into a sleeping position can cause the patient to suffer an attack. Naturally, this worsens during the evening hours:  twilight time, bedtime and midnight snack time.

EXERCISE TRIGGERS:  Sometimes patients who are athletes or physical fitness aficionados discover their exercise provokes an attack.  It’s ironic that what makes them healthy can also make them very sick.
Whatever your “trigger” is, there are excellent treatments for asthma attacks. Your doctor will individualize your medication and treatment plan. Find out more about asthma triggers by clicking here.

FYI: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ASTHMA
Once you have been initially diagnosed with asthma, you should communicate with your doctor about your treatment and care. Meet Five Top Questions from the Florida Lung Doctors:

1. What are the causes of my asthma?
2. What should I do when if I have a severe attack?
3. What are the signs of an emergency?
4. How do I properly use my inhaler?
5. What will be the side effects of asthma medication? How can I prevent them?

These are just samples to guide your discussion. For several more questions that will help you talk about your asthma with your doctor, we encourage you to click here.

FYI:  DEEP READING ON NEW ASTHMA AND IMMUNE SYSTEM RESEARCH

On May 27th, Science Daily reported that scientists had made some significant new discoveries, concerning cellular behavior in the immune system.This was an important study because it will pave the way for considering new “drug classes in the treatment of allergic and auto-immune diseases,” such as asthma and lupus.
The research was released by the University of Alabama in a Birmingham study and first published online May 27 in “Nature Immunology.”  Health-care professionals and deep readers will discover the mysteries of dendritic cell behavior in response to T cells and B cells by clicking here.
As always, we thank you for reading our blog. Please click on the little buttons below to “like” us or “share” us on facebook so that the Florida Lung, Asthma & Sleep Specialists  can inform more people about how to talk about their asthma.
From The Lung Doctor’s vantage point in Orlando, summer of 2012 is shaping up to be gorgeous. We wouldn’t want an asthma attack to interfere with your enjoyment of sun and sea. Wherever you live, know your asthma triggers and treatment  so  that you can luxuriate in the pleasures of summer, symptom free.