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Based on you/your child s history and allergy test results a food challenge may be done. A food challenge is done to help identify if you/your child are allergic to a specific food and how much of the food it may take to cause a reaction.

This booklet, prepared by National Jewish Health^®, provides general information about asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is sometimes worrisome and inconvenient, but which is a manageable condition. With proper understanding, good medical care and monitoring, you can keep asthma under control. That's our treatment goal at National Jewish Health: to teach patients and families how to manage asthma, so that they can lead full and productive lives.

This booklet, prepared by National Jewish Health^® in Denver, is intended to provide information about Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin disease. It is also called atopic eczema. Atopic is a term used to describe allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Both dermatitis and eczema mean inflammation of the skin. People with atopic dermatitis tend to have dry, itchy and easily irritated skin. They may have times when their skin is clear and other times when they have rash.

Chronic illness is an illness that may last throughout a person s life, although the frequency and severity of symptoms can change. There can be periods of time when the illness is  quiet. There are also periods of time when the illness is more active, and symptoms may be worse. Examples of chronic illnesses often seen in children and teens include asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergies to foods and/or the environment, and diabetes. A chronic illness usually cannot be cured, but it can often be well managed to allow the person to lead an active life.

Bed bugs are a type of insect that feeds on blood. They bite humans to obtain blood for growth. Unlike some other biting bugs, bed bugs don t transmit disease when they bite. Bed bugs are increasingly infesting areas where people sleep and spend time in the United States. These areas may include homes, apartments, hotels, dorm rooms, hospitals, homeless shelters and schools.

A bronchoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the airways in the lungs.

Exhaled nitric oxide is a simple test to measure the amount of nitric oxide in your breath. Nitric oxide is one of the many gases people exhale. It is a marker of airway inflammation. The results from this test make it easier for you and your doctor to monitor your asthma and find the best treatment plan for you.

The pressure volume study measures how well you are breathing. There are different types of breathing tests that can be done during the pressure volume study. They include spirometry, lung volumes, and transpulmonary pressure.

Pulmonary function testing measures how well you are breathing. There are different types of breathing tests that can be done during pulmonary function testing. They include spirometry, lung volumes and diffusing capacity.

This booklet, prepared by National Jewish Health^® helps families of children with asthma learn more about the disease. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is sometimes worrisome and inconvenient, but which is a manageable condition. With proper understanding, good medical care and monitoring, you and your child can keep asthma well controlled. That is our treatment goal at National Jewish Health: to teach patients and families how to manage asthma, so that they can lead full and productive lives.

While sometimes worrisome and inconvenient, chronic lung disease can be managed. A rehabilitation program that involves a healthy lifestyle of exercise, healthy eating and smoking cessation will improve your quality of life and increase your tolerance to activity. With a basic understanding of your disease and good medical care, you can improve your lung health.

A loving relationship with your partner can help you deal with your chronic lung disease and the emotions that come with it. Yet a person with a chronic lung disease may have problems that interfere with being close. If you have a chronic lung disease, this booklet is for you. It is also for your partner  the person who shares your life and the effects of your illness with you. It is normal for you to have questions.

For most people, summer means outdoor activities such as swimming, picnics, camping, baseball and vacation trips. But for the millions with asthma or allergies, summer can be a dangerous season. There are several steps you can take to help keep you or your kids safe and active.

An action plan is a written, customized plan to help you manage asthma episodes. The action plan is based on changes in respiratory symptoms and peak flow numbers. Your action plan will give you and your family information about when and how to use daily medications, emergency medications and your peak flow meter. It will also help you decide when to call your health care provider and when to seek emergency medical care.

An allergy can cause a life-threatening reaction. This is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis s is the most severe type of allergic reaction. It is very rare. Medicines, insect stings, foods and latex can cause anaphylaxis.

When you become pregnant you may notice many physical and emotional changes. Joy and wonder are often mixed with concerns about your health and the health of your unborn child. If you have asthma you may be concerned about this also. It is helpful to know that studies show having asthma does not increase your chances of having a baby with birth defects or of having multiple births. Further studies show that asthma can be controlled during pregnancy with little or no risk to you or your baby.

Prick skin tests are done to help identify if you/your child are allergic and what you are allergic to.

Patch skin testing may be used to find out if a rash is from direct contact with an allergen. This will help your doctor identify the best treatment for you/your child.

People with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), may develop chronic infection of their lungs by a variety of different bacteria. Some people with cystic fibrosis become infected by a drug resistant bacteria, Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), which can occasionally be spread from person to person or object to person.

Learn about food allergies, including symptoms, diagnosis and management.

Myositis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the muscles and is often associated with severe muscle weakness. Myositis can also affect other organ systems including the skin, joints, lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. It is a chronic disease, meaning it lasts a long time. The most common forms of myositis are polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which air passage in the back of the throat is blocked during sleep by the tongue and soft tissue. This can lead to loud snoring and lapses in breathing that can occur hundreds of times a night.

Osteoporosis weakens the bones, making them more likely to break (fracture). Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture. Osteoporosis can affect any bone in the body, but fractures occur most often in the hip, wrist, and spine. A fracture in the spine may cause severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as stooped posture or dowager s hump.

Osteoporosis weakens the bones, making them more fragile and easier to break (fracture). Falls are a leading cause of fracture in people with osteoporosis. These fractures can affect any bone in the body, but fractures occur most often occur in the hip, wrist and spine. Preventing falls is important for people with osteoporosis. The good news is that falls can often be prevented by following these indoor and outdoor safety tips.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Many organisms cause pneumonia. Most community acquired pneumonias are caused by common bacteria and viruses. Pneumonia caused by more unusual organisms can occur depending on person s exposure and other medical illnesses. Pneumonia is often acquired by inhaling infected particles or by aspiration ("swallowing" into the lungs). It can spread through the blood stream to infect other parts of the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis, otherwise known as RA, is a disease that causes joint pains and swelling. It primarily involves inflammation of the lining of the joints but can also involve internal organs, such as the eyes, the lungs, and the heart.

Sarcoidosis is a disease that occurs when areas of inflammation develop in different organs of the body. Very small clusters of inflammation, called granulomas, are seen with sarcoidosis. They may occur in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, skin or any area of the body. These granulomas may clear up on their own or cause permanent scarring.

Scleroderma (also called systemic sclerosis) is a rare disease characterized most often by skin thickening. Scleroderma also involves internal organs, and often leads to intestinal, kidney, lung, and heart problems. It is a chronic disease, which means it lasts a long time.

Sjögren s syndrome is a disease that causes dryness of the eyes and mouth. It can also affect other organ systems including the skin, joints, lungs, and nervous system. Sjögren s syndrome is a chronic disease, which means it lasts a long time.

For some people, lack of restful sleep is a constant and potentially dangerous problem. People may have a medical condition known as a sleep disorder. A sleep disorder interferes with the body's ability to sleep normally. Sleep disorders are very common and include the following conditions: Obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder and circadian rhythm disorders.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a germ (bacterium). The germ is called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This germ often affects the lungs. It may involve any organ and may infect anyone at any age.

Undifferentiated connective tissue disease, or UCTD for short, is a systemic autoimmune disease. This means that the body s natural immune system does not behave normally. Instead of serving to fight infections such as bacteria and viruses, the body s own immune system attacks itself. In UCTD, autoimmunity may cause the immune system to attack specific parts of the body resulting in a variety of problems.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction, or VCD may be confused with asthma. People with VCD will report asthma-like symptoms to their doctors. Symptoms of VCD include shortness of breath, intermittent hoarseness or wheezing, chronic cough and/or throat clearing, chest and/or throat tightness, and just having trouble getting air in. These symptoms are a result of an abnormal closing of the vocal cords (VCD) rather than inflammation of their airways (asthma).

Altitude sickness occurs when the body reacts poorly to sudden travel to high altitudes, where the air is thinner and the body gets less oxygen in each breath. About one in five people traveling to the mountains of Colorado suffer altitude sickness.

Your doctor has prescribed medicine that is available as an injection (shot). The medicine is given as a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Subcutaneous means the medicine is given into the fatty tissue under the skin. Intramuscular means the medicine is given into the muscle. The needle used to give the injection is very small. Your doctor will prescribe the amount and time you need to give the medicine. Your doctor or nurse will also show you how to give an injection before you need to give one at home. Please talk with your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

A HandiHaler consists of a plastic device to inhale medication. A capsule of powdered medication is placed in the device. The HandiHaler is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the HandiHaler automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the HandiHaler a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

A nebulizer delivery system consists of a nebulizer (small plastic bowl with a screw-top lid) and a source for compressed air. The air flow to the nebulizer changes the medication solution to a mist. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness.

A nebulizer delivery system consists of a nebulizer (small plastic bowl with a screw-top lid) and a source for compressed air. The air flow to the nebulizer changes the medication solution to a mist. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness.

The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medicine in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. The AeroChamber® consists of a plastic tube with a mouthpiece, a valve to control mist delivery and a soft sealed end to hold the MDI. The holding chamber assists delivery of medicine to the small airways in the lungs. This increases the medicine's effectiveness. Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medicine in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. The AeroChamber® consists of a plastic tube with a rubber sealed end, a mouthpiece and a valve to control mist delivery. The holding chamber assists delivery of medicine to the small airways in the lungs. This increases the medicine's effectiveness. Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

Anti-IgE is a form of treatment for allergic diseases that has been approved for the treatment of asthma. Anti-IgE interferes with the function of IgE. IgE is an antibody in the immune system. IgE tells immune cells to initiate allergic reactions. This may bring on symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, hives and swelling. Anti-IgE attaches to IgE in the blood and helps prevents the allergic reaction.

Corticosteroids (steroids) are medicines that are used to treat many chronic diseases. Corticosteroids are very good at reducing inflammation (swelling) and mucus production in the airways of the lungs. They also help other quick-relief medicines work better. The steroids (corticosteroids) used to treat asthma and other chronic lung diseases are not the same as anabolic steroids, used illegally by some athletes for bodybuilding. Corticosteroids do not affect the liver or cause sterility.

Managing your medications is a very important task. When you take medication as prescribed, your disease can be controlled. Your health care provider will give you specific information about your medications. Learning about your medications and following the guidelines listed below will help you manage your disease.

Consult your health care provider before taking herbal remedies. Herbs can interact with your medications. Herbs may also be harmful for certain health conditions or medical procedures. When you see your doctor, be sure to inform him/her of which herbs you are taking. Do not assume a product is safe or effective. Herbs are not overseen by a federal regulatory agency for guarantee of quality control or safety.

A peak flow meter is a small, easy-to-use instrument that enables you or your child to measure lung function at home, at work, at school  wherever you go. The peak flow meter measures how fast a person can blow out air after a maximum inhalation. It helps reveal how well you or your child's lungs are working. This is called the peak expiratory flow rate.

The early signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for which many people seek medical attention before being formally diagnosed include marked shortness of breath with exertion, a cough that won t go away or frequent respiratory infections. This is often at a point when the disease is already advanced. Many people might be identified earlier if their doctors routinely screen all patients who are smokers or previous smokers.

Dust mites are microscopic animals, too small to be seen with the naked eye. The droppings and decaying bodies of dust mites are important allergens. These dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, old clothing and soft stuffed toys. They feed on human skin scales. Dust mites are most common in humid climates. They don't survive when the humidity is below 40-50%. If droppings of dust mites are inhaled or come in contact with the skin, they may cause allergy, asthma and/or eczema symptoms.

Many types of molds live in our environment. Mold grows in indoor and outdoor areas that are warm, dark and/or moist. Molds reproduce and grow by sending tiny spores into the air. Inhaled spores cause allergy and asthma symptoms.

Exposure to hazardous pollutants may have an immediate or a long-term effect, which may not show up for many years. The significance of the exposure depends upon the source, how much is emitted from the source, how harmful the pollutants are, and how much of the pollutants have accumulated within the home. Some immediate symptoms of exposure may include headache, dizziness, fatigue and upper airway irritation of the nose, throat and eyes. These symptoms may reoccur with repeated exposures.

When you are exposed to smoke in the environment it is called secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a combination of two types of smoke, sidestream and mainstream smoke. Mainstream smoke is the smoke exhaled by a person who is smoking. Sidestream smoke is the smoke from the end of a burning cigarette. Sidestream smoke contains all of these same carcinogens.