Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has declared May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. For residents of eastern Kentucky, where seasonal changes, environmental factors and higher rates of respiratory illness can impact daily life, this observance serves as an important reminder to learn more about asthma and allergies and how to manage them effectively.
Nearly 28 million people in the United States are living with asthma, including many individuals across the Appalachian region. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. While a cure for asthma is not currently available, symptoms can often be controlled with proper treatment, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Access to care and early diagnosis are especially important in rural communities, where symptoms may go unrecognized or untreated.
Asthma affects individuals differently, but it is typically characterized by persistent inflammation in the airways. This inflammation makes the lungs more sensitive to common triggers such as pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, smoke and respiratory infections. In Eastern Kentucky, additional triggers may include exposure to tobacco smoke, wood-burning stoves and occupational irritants related to industries such as mining and manufacturing. During an asthma flare-up, or asthma attack, the airways swell further and produce excess mucus. At the same time, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten, limiting airflow and causing symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Today, asthma is recognized as a group of conditions with varying causes and characteristics, including allergic, aspirin-induced, cough-variant, exercise-induced, nighttime, steroid-resistant and occupational. Identifying the specific type of asthma allows health care providers to develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs.
For those seeking care close to home, Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) offers comprehensive respiratory services to help patients manage asthma and improve their quality of life. Treatment options may include quick-relief inhalers for sudden symptoms, long-term control medications to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups and advanced therapies for more severe cases. Patients also receive education on recognizing triggers, using medications correctly and following an asthma action plan.
During National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, community members are encouraged to take proactive steps toward better respiratory health. Recognizing early warning signs, scheduling routine checkups and working closely with a trusted provider can make a meaningful difference in managing asthma. With the right care and support, individuals living with asthma in eastern Kentucky can lead active, healthy lives.
For more information, call 606-430-2208 or visit www.pmcky.org/pulmonary-clinic. To schedule an appointment with a PMC provider, call 606-430-2235 or visit www.pmcky.org/find-care-now.
Food Allergy Awareness Month
May is also recognized as Food Allergy Awareness Month, with Food Allergy Research & Education leading the nationwide effort to raise awareness. This month highlights the seriousness of food allergies and the importance of understanding how to identify and respond to allergic reactions. For families across the region, this observance offers an opportunity to learn more about a condition that can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
Food allergies affect an estimated 32 million Americans, including many children and adults throughout the Appalachian region. A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as harmful and triggers a reaction. Even a small amount can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe. The most common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
Reactions to allergies can vary widely. Mild symptoms may include hives, itching, nasal congestion or stomach discomfort. More severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can involve difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine, also known as an EpiPen, and prompt medical care.
In eastern Kentucky, limited access to specialty care and longer travel distances can make managing food allergies more challenging for some families. This makes education, preparation and early diagnosis especially important. Parents, caregivers, schools and workplaces all play a role in creating safe environments for individuals with these allergies by understanding triggers, reading food labels carefully and avoiding cross-contact during food preparation.
PMC provides resources to help patients manage allergies and related conditions. PCPs can assist with diagnosis, develop personalized care plans and educate patients on how to avoid allergens and respond to reactions. Patients at risk for severe allergic reactions are often prescribed EpiPens and are encouraged to carry them at all times. If a patient must use their EpiPen for an allergic reaction, it is highly recommended they seek prompt medical attention at their nearest emergency department.
During Food Allergy Awareness Month and Food Allergy Awareness Week, community members are encouraged to learn the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and how to respond in an emergency. Simple actions, such as knowing how to use an EpiPen, can save lives. By increasing awareness and support, local communities can help create safer environments and improve outcomes for individuals living with food allergies.
Allergy Care Close to Home
Living with allergies, especially in eastern Kentucky, can be challenging. PMC’s specially trained team offers comprehensive allergy services for adult and pediatric patients.
Allergy testing plays an important role in identifying triggers and developing an effective treatment plan for patients with suspected allergic conditions. Two of the most common methods used by healthcare providers are percutaneous testing and intradermal testing. While both are designed to detect allergic reactions, they differ in how they are performed, their sensitivity and when they are typically used.
Percutaneous testing, often referred to as a skin prick test, is usually the first step in allergy evaluation. During this test, small amounts of potential allergens are placed on the surface of the skin, typically on the forearm or back. The area is then gently exposed so the allergens can interact with the skin. If a patient is allergic, a small raised area may appear within about 15 to 20 minutes. This method is widely used because it is quick, minimally invasive and provides reliable results for many common allergens such as pollen, pet dander and certain foods.
Intradermal testing is typically used when additional sensitivity is needed or when percutaneous test results are negative but an allergy is still suspected. This method involves placing a small amount of allergen just beneath the surface of the skin. Because the allergen is introduced slightly deeper, intradermal testing can be more sensitive and may detect allergies that a skin prick test does not. It is often used for evaluating reactions to medications, insect stings or certain environmental allergens. Both methods are considered safe when conducted by trained professionals, and any mild skin reactions usually fade quickly.
PMC staff perform both types of allergy testing. They may also administer allergy treatments, if necessary, which come in the form of drops or injections. For children ages 3 and over, percutaneous allergy testing is available, while percutaneous or intradermal allergy testing is available for children 6 and older.
PMC specialists can help determine which type of allergy testing is most appropriate based on symptoms, medical history and suspected triggers. Understanding the differences between percutaneous and intradermal testing allows patients to feel more informed and confident as they take steps toward managing their allergies and improving their overall health.
For more information, call 606-430-2209 or visit www.pmcky.org/allergy-services. Those interested in allergy testing at PMC may talk to their PCP or their child’s pediatrician for a referral.