Today I finally went to the Allergy Club (Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology) at their Central Manila chapter at FDMMC Allergy-immunology Unit. I need to update my medical records and have the routine check up because asthma attacks have been frequent and my family wanted to check if its mainly because of the weather or any other genetically-related ailment.

Asthma presents as on and off episodes of wheezing sound in the chest, difficulty of breathing, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night or in the early morning. It may even manifest as recurrent colds that take more than ten days to clear up, or as a complication of pneumonia.

In my case the sudden change in weather, strong perfumes, in/out of air-conditioned rooms, especially the summer heat triggers an attack. Two or three pillows helps alleviate the difficulty of breathing especially at night plus the regular antihistamine. If antihistamines are still not enough, then its usually nebulizer time to be sure.

I went through the history and physical examination..registered 230 on the peak flow meter, so I have to go back for more work ups (ex. skin test).

What is a peak flow meter?

It is a device that measures how well a person’s lungs are working. It checks a person’s ability to exhale forcefully by blowing into it and the peak flow meter measures how much air the lungs pushed out.

Its simple to use, set it to zero; stand up, take a deep breath and then blow as quickly and strongly into it as you can; a little marker slides up the meter to show how much air you were able to get out.

What is an allergy skin test?

Or a scratch test, is a test done on the skin to identify the allergen that is the trigger for an allergic reaction. A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin then it is gently scratched through the small drop with a special sterile needle.

My knees goes woobly at the thought of a skin test..it may not hurt but its my first time to go through it. On the bright side I can determine if its asthma or allergies and then have the proper medications as well. So remember, health is indeed wealth. Have regular medical check ups to be sure, proper diet and exercise as well..(mental note too hehe?!)

Godbless and Cheers! =]