Practical Pointer

Check out this practical pointer I wrote in The Consultant.

Hope it helps you to remember to take your medication!
http://www.consultantlive.com/display/article/10162/1494277

Haste makes Waste

This old adage is true for allergies as well...




Don't delay in starting your allergy medications before the pollen counts rise.



Waiting too long to take allergy meds is one of them most common mistakes allergy suffers make. Then you are behind the ball!



Instead, prepare by taking medication that has worked for you in the past just before the season starts.



Pay attention to the weather: When winter weather turns warm, pollens and molds are released into the air.



Start treatment prior to exercising. Most medications take about 30 minutes to work.





Good luck in surviving the season and let me know if I can help!



Jennifer Collins, MD

380 2nd Avenue, NY NY 10010



646-438-7893

Did you know?

Have you found out what you're allergic too?


Did you know that more than 75% of people with seasonal allergies actually have mild symptoms all year round that they tolerate.

Just because symptoms are mild, you should know what is causing your allergy. All the more reason to see an allergist and get tested!

Can you guess what might be causing your problem? Here's what's blooming/present when throughout the year.

• Tree, grass and ragweed pollens thrive on cool nights and warm days.
• Molds like heat and humidity.
• Pollen levels tend to peak in the morning hours.
• Rain washes pollen away, but their counts can soar after a rain.

• On a day with no wind, airborne allergens are grounded.

• When the day is windy and warm, pollen counts surge.

Moving to another climate to avoid allergies is usually not successful – allergens are virtually everywhere.

Let me know if I can help!

Jennifer Collins,MD

380 2nd Avenue, NY NY 10010

646- 438-7893

Kaboom! The pollens are back....

The trees in NYC exploded this week with pollen- everywhere I look I see people with red tearing eyes, sneezing on the street, and runny noses.

While it is more socially acceptable to have allergies than a springtime cold, no one wants to be around any one who's pouring out mucous!

How can you conquer your allergies?
Know what you're allergic to and try at best to avoid it. 
See your allergist to get tested so you don't throw money away on less effective over the counter medications.

It's difficult this time of year if tree pollen is your nemis.  After such a long winter, everyone wants to soak up as much of the sun and fresh air as possible.  Makes it tough though if you can't breathe through your nose.

Using medication at least 30 minutes before you encounter the pollens will help keep you breathing normally.



Let me know if I can help!

Jennifer Collins, MD- 380 2nd Avenue, 9th Floor NY, NY 10010
(646)-438-7893

Spring time Allergy Tips

Over the next 2 months I'll be providing daily- weekly tips on how to conquer your allergies.

Stay tuned for ways to keep you less itchy & scratchy!

Jennifer Collins, MD
Allergy/Immunology

Asthma Medications To Be Withdrawn from the Market

Pay attention to the below alert for asthma medication that will be withdrawn from the market over the upcoming months.  If you are on one of these medications, please see your doctor to have your medications changed.

The affected products, manufacturers and their phase out schedule include:
· Tilade Inhaler (nedocromil; King Pharmaceuticals) -- June 14, 2010

· Alupent Inhalation Aerosol (metaproterenol; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals) -- June 14, 2010

· Azmacort Inhalation Aerosol (triamcinolone; Abbott Laboratories) -- Dec. 31, 2010

· Intal Inhaler (cromolyn; King Pharmaceuticals) -- Dec. 31, 2010

· Aerobid Inhaler System (flunisolide; Forest Laboratories) – June 30, 2011

· Combivent Inhalation Aerosol (albuterol and ipratropium in combination; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals) – Dec. 31, 2013

· Maxair Autohaler (pirbuterol; Graceway Pharmaceuticals) – Dec. 31, 2013

After those dates, these medications will not be sold or distributed in the United States. Dr. Chowdhury acknowledges, especially in the case of Combivent, that patients with COPD may experience additional costs from co-pays on individual inhalers as opposed to the combination, but a greater good is in consideration. Additional time is also granted for Maxair to allow patients to become reaccustomed to a non-breath activated inhaler. He noted "the phase out of these chlorofluorocarbons is an example of how international cooperation will help mankind."

Patients using the inhalers scheduled to be phased out are advised to talk to their health care professional about switching to one of several alternative treatments currently available. Until then, patients should continue using their current inhaler medication.