Archive for August, 2009

Rick: I know that compliance with taking drugs is a big issue with asthma patients and you mentioned the anti-inflammatories, Dr. Stempel. What does that come down to on a day-to-day basis? What does someone have to do to be where they need to be in terms of the drug dosage to control asthma? Dr. Stempel: The ... Full story

Andrew: Is there a connection between asthma and this type of rhinitis you're talking about? I also heard that there could be a connection with gastric reflux and could affect the upper respiratory system too. So maybe you could help us understand that. ... Full story

Andrew: What advice would you give to people who may be hearing this who really don't know whether their doctor is knowledgeable? How do they bring that up? How do they dialog, let's say, with a primary care doctor about these treatments? Dr. Ayars: I think that what they can do is show their knowledge and go ... Full story

Understanding the causes of your allergy-like symptoms If you experience the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or cough normally ... Full story

TURNER: We also have a chance to communicate with you via e-mail. And we did receive an e-mail question from Matt here in Seattle. He's lived here since June of 1996. So Matt would like to know, how do you know which inhalers are right for you? Previously, he had a doctor prescribe Ventolin, but his understanding is that Ventolin is ... Full story

Andrew: Dr. Lieberman, is there sort of a quiz someone could to get a handle on , the person who gets ragweed in the air has seasonal allergies or they could have this non-allergic rhinitis that you're talking about? Is there a toolkit you could give them? ... Full story

TURNER: Okay. We have Joyce from Port Townsend. Welcome to the program, Joyce. JOYCE: Thank you. TURNER: I understand you want to talk about corticosteroid sprays and infections? JOYCE: Well, yes. TURNER: Go ahead and describe your situation and what your concern is ... Full story

Dr. Lieberman: In our practice at least 30 percent and perhaps as high as 60 percent of certain ages of patients who come for an allergy evaluation - either on their own or at the referral of another physician - actually don't have allergies: they have the symptoms of allergy. ... Full story

Andrew: There's this concept of antihistamines that people know about and been around for many years. Can help with this condition? Dr. Lieberman: Non-allergic rhinitis is usually a more difficult disease to treat than the allergic form. ... Full story

TURNER: And next up is Cheryl from Bothell, joining us here on the Ask the Doctor Mailbag. Hi Cheryl. CHERYL: Hi. TURNER: Welcome in. And what's the issue you'd like to talk about? CHERYL: First let me just say I do have a five year old son ... Full story