Archive for August, 2009

Imagine the terror a parent feels, and many of our listeners can relate to that, when you're told your two-year-old child has severe asthma. The trips to the emergency room or the doctor, your child gasping for breath, and knowing asthma can be a killer. we're visiting with Linda and Ron Pawlak and their 12-year-old son Justin. This Harleysville, Pennsylvania family has ... Full story

Dick: Why do you think we are having such a hard time, sir, getting asthma under control? Dr. Berger: Well, there are many reasons. The background on this is that we've seen a doubling of the number of people who have asthma from 1980 to the present time, from ... Full story

Dick: I want to turn back to Dr. Frohman. Within your practice how are issues related to insurance and Medicare handled? Dr. Frohman: Well, obviously, I would have to ... Full story

Andrew: Does oil heat have any adverse effect on patients with asthma? Is gas or oil heat less likely to cause irritation for asthma patients? Dr. Shapiro: Forced air, gas and electric are all fairly good ways to heat the home. Propane heaters and kerosene and fumey agents that give off chemicals are not good. But oil heat is usually confined in a ... Full story

TURNER: Spencer from Seattle is next to join us here on the Asthma Education Network. Welcome Spencer. SPENCER: Hi. Thank you. TURNER: And what's your issue with asthma you'd like to talk about? SPENCER: Well, thanks for taking my call. I have a five year old son ... Full story

Dick: Elizabeth, how long have you been living with MS? Elizabeth: I was diagnosed five years ago, but I can trace it much further back, looking back at my ... Full story

Common asthma triggers Andrew: What are some of the general triggers that people have of what we might commonly call asthma attacks? Dr. Shapiro: There's a whole variety. We talked about infections. Viral infections in particular are a big problem for people. Also, bacterial infections like sinus disease; sinusitis is a trigger for many individuals. And then allergens, house dust mites and pet dander ... Full story

TURNER: Elizabeth from Anacortes. Welcome, Elizabeth. ELIZABETH: Hi. TURNER: How are you? ELIZABETH: Well, I'm doing pretty good tonight, thanks. TURNER: Great. What's the issue with asthma you'd like to talk about? ELIZABETH: Well, I'm using my inhalers four ... Full story

Dick: Mention for us some of the resources or support groups that may be there to help individuals dealing with cost coverage issues, and how can patients access these? Jan: ... Full story

Andrew: Dr. Shapiro, would you please explain to us what anti-inflammatory drugs are and how they help prevent what we commonly call an asthma attack? Dr. Shapiro: Bronchodilating medicines like albuterol will relax the muscle in the bronchial tube, but not take care of the underlying swelling and puffiness and mucous production. That's what the anti-inflammatory agents do. And they need to be ... Full story