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40 ALLERGIES FROM PAGE 39 “It’s important to have a specialist behind you. “Basically, once someone is determined to have a suspected food allergy, then they would go to an allergist, as well as an accredited practising dietitian who specialises in allergies. “It’s important that people who suspect that they have an allergy, or an intolerance, get that backed up medically. So, the GP would be the first port of call, and then the GP would refer on.” Can healthy eating assist symptom management? While, according to Ms Renn, there’s no one food or nutrient that will prevent or cure allergic asthma, she advises that allergy sufferers should eat a healthy, balanced diet (and avoid the nasties, such as foods high in fat, sugar and salt) to help improve overall health. “There is no set food or supplement that you can take in order to prevent asthma,” she said. “Having said that, making sure that the diet has adequate fruits and vegetables – these have antioxidants \[that have\] anti- inflammatory properties, they are also good for your gut health – and having a healthy diet is certainly going to be your best bet for overall good health as well as looking after your airways.” Gerald Quigley, Community Pharmacist and Master Herbalist, says certain nutrients may play a role in overall asthma management. “Vitamin C protects against asthma \[as do\] the B group vitamins,” he said. Magnesium \[helps to\] relax bronchial smooth muscles. Calcium and vitamin D \[help to\] decrease airway obstruction in patients with allergic asthma. Quercetin is a potent modulator or balancer of inflammatory materials that are produced. Ginger has a role to play and, of course, omega-3 fish oils have a role to play.” Ms Renn reiterates, though, that while certain nutrients may help, it’s still important to consider the overall diet, because adding vitamin and mineral supplements to an unhealthy diet will render the supplements ineffective. “Adding \[something like\] turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties, to a diet that’s high in saturated fat and sugar isn’t going to be protective,” she said. “Turmeric ... if it’s included as part of a healthy diet then it will assist people. But one food \[on its own\] won’t do the job of a healthy diet. That’s unrealistic.” Allergic asthma management According to Dr Claxton, “the basic treatment of allergic asthma is that of any asthma”. Treatment involves “avoiding triggers, confirming the diagnosis of asthma (there are a number of conditions that can behave like asthma, especially in older people), \[and\] educating the patient on what asthma is”. He adds that treatment or management of allergic asthma also involves “starting a regular steroid-based preventer” (a type of inhaler) and “educating the patient on the importance of the preventer and how to use the device”. “Allergic asthma can be helped by avoiding the allergen if it can be identified,” Dr Claxton continued. “Desensitisation can be helpful managing allergy symptoms, including asthma, if the allergen can be identified. There are some sublingual desensitisation therapies now in place of the injections.” It seems logical that by removing an allergen an allergic asthma sufferer could minimise their asthma exacerbations and “the asthma would go away”. However, as Dr Bowler points out, “while that’s theoretically possible if it’s only a very mild asthma, which is only very occasionally triggered, for the most part ... if you get rid of \[one\] allergen there are others that you \[may\] need to consider”. As with other chronic conditions, Dr Claxton underscores the importance of regular follow up by the medical team. “Patients with asthma should be reviewed regularly to ensure the condition is controlled,” he said. “Control of asthma means no or minimal symptoms rather than, as some people think, symptoms controlled by reliever inhalers (e.g., Ventolin). If asthma isn’t controlled with regular preventer medication there are newer biological treatments for some asthma subtypes, including allergic asthma (Xolair).” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • JUN 2020 ALLERGY OFFER 2020 SAVE UP TO 35% across the range ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. To place an order talk to your Sales Representative or call 1300 9 ARROW Pricing available from 15 June to 31 October 2020. Turnover orders only. Minimum spend required. Terms and conditions apply.