December is here with all of its beautiful decorations, holiday get-togethers with friends, and that seemingly annual plugged nose, cough, and yuck!

You might be asking yourself, “why am I having to put up with these allergies instead of enjoying the season?”

A lot of people struggle with allergies, especially during the spring and fall when there are more allergens in the air. The most common thing for people with allergies to do when they’re hit with a serious case of sniffles and itchy, watery eyes is to pick out some allergy medication at their local pharmacy. While allergy pills can help offer some relief, their abilities are limited, and the long-lasting relief that people with allergies are looking for might still be out of reach.

The simple answer is—Yes. A normal pulmonary function test is actually our goal for every asthmatic!

So, let’s explain:

A spirometry test (the main asthma pulmonary function test measuring the FEV1) tells us how much airway narrowing is present at the time of the test. The test involves breathing out forcefully into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer machine.

FEV1 is the amount of air you can force from your lungs in one second.

By definition, asthma is a reversible airway disease. Asthma severity varies by what triggers are currently affecting the patient, what controllers are being used, and what relievers are in use.

With an asthma flare or poor asthma control the FEV1 normally falls. With treatment it improves.

A normal pulmonary function test is found in an asthmatic who:

The most important asthma controller is inhaled corticosteroids, which work over time to reduce asthma attacks.

Dust mite allergies are a lifelong struggle, and they take a lot of medication to handle, but allergy shots can make a difference in reducing the amount of medicine needed and improving your allergies.

Exercise is a common trigger for people with asthma, but using medication such as inhalers before you exercise can help.

Allergy problems in the fall and late summer are usually caused by a mold allergy. Inhaled steroids, allergy shots, and keeping your house closed up and air-conditioned can help reduce the symptoms.

In South Dakota, ragweed allergies strike every August. Starting a regimen early will help you handle your ragweed allergies.