Asthma and allergy sufferers: Have a happy and healthy holiday season by following a few simple tips

(BPT) - You might think that by the time the holidays arrive, allergy season is long gone. However, for millions of allergy sufferers, the reality is that allergens still abound. From pet dander to volatile organic compounds, indoor allergens can cause discomfort and health issues as bothersome as when pollen is in season.....

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Checking for asthma involves breathing tests

Q. My doctor thinks I may have asthma. He wants to do a pulmonary function test. What can I expect?

A. Pulmonary function testing examines different aspects of how your lungs function. During the test, you will breathe in and out through a tube that is connected to various machines. A test called spirometry measures how forcefully you can inhale and exhale while taking as large a breath as possible. Give this test your best effort. You can skew the results by not trying hard......

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Exercise in the cold can induce asthma

Q: My daughter has "exercise asthma." Is that the same thing as asthma?

A: It's the time of the year when cold-weather sports are underway. As we get closer to winter, the cold air may scare away the summer exercise crowd, but activities such as curling, hockey, skating and skiing can be fun and great for fitness. However, what happens if motivation is not the issue, but breathing in cold air is very uncomfortable? For some individuals, this is the time of year when exercise-induced asthma becomes a problem.....

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