Imperial Valley health provider encourages community to take action on asthma and allergies
Abraham Retana
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – As Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is wrapping up, an Imperial Valley health provider encourages the community to take action.
The Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) says climate change and longer growing seasons have led to increased pollen levels and extended allergy seasons in the Valley, especially affecting children with respiratory issues.
“Kids that already have been diagnosed with asthma…they have controlled medications they can take everyday to try to prevent symptoms, and if they are already experiencing symptoms, they use their rescue medication, which are the inhalators,” Lwbba Chait, an IVHD Pediatrician, said.
To reduce the risk of asthma, the IVHD recommends to monitor the air quality, plan outdoor activities for late afternoon, keep windows closed and pay close attention to any of the symptoms.
“Usually cough, also you can hear noises in their chest when it’s escalating to more severe problems. They may have difficulty breathing, shortness of air, chest pain. Those are usually severe symptoms so by that time usually we will be taking patients to the ER,” explained Chait.
Anyone diagnosed with asthma or allergy should follow-up with a primary doctor to receive the right treatment.