Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month: Insights from Lilian Bornio Carillo, PA-C
As Asthma Awareness Month unfolds, we had the honor of speaking with Lilian (Lili) Bornio Carrillo, a dedicated Physician Assistant at OnePeak Medical. In this interview, Lili shares her expert insights, offering invaluable advice on triggers, identification, avoidance, and the importance of holistic management plans.
Understanding Common Triggers
Lili emphasizes the importance of recognizing triggers, stating, “If people are prone to asthma and allergies, it’s best to avoid strong odors such as perfumes, toxic cleaning products, food additives – anything that is going to be causing more inflammation to the system.” She elaborates on the diverse array of triggers that can exacerbate asthma and allergies, ranging from environmental factors to lifestyle choices. By understanding these triggers, individuals can take proactive steps to minimize exposure and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Regarding triggers, Lili also shares, “A common misconception is that asthma is a childhood condition that people will outgrow. In actuality, asthma can persist through adulthood and require ongoing management. People also think that allergies are only triggered by outdoor irritants. Allergy triggers often come from indoor irritants such as mold, dander, pets, and dust mites.”
Empowering Through Identification and Avoidance
Lili highlights the significance of proactive measures: “Keeping a symptom diary is a great way to pinpoint these triggers and establish effective avoidance and management strategies.” By meticulously tracking symptoms and potential triggers, individuals can gain valuable insights into their condition and develop personalized strategies for prevention and management.
Additionally, Lili stresses the importance of creating environments conducive to respiratory health, advocating for removing allergens and irritants from living spaces. She stated, “To minimize these irritants and enhance indoor air quality, individuals can do things such as regularly cleaning bedding, dusting, vacuuming, and using purifiers. Additionally, they should avoid outdoor triggers when possible and keep windows closed during peak pollen hours. As a general rule, pollen counts tend to peak in the early morning and late afternoon.”
Holistic Management Plans
Lili stresses the value of holistic management plans tailored to individual needs. She emphasizes, “It’s very important for people who suffer from allergies and asthma to work closely with their OnePeak Medical healthcare provider to develop an individual holistic management plan.” These comprehensive plans encompass various aspects of healthcare, including medication management, lifestyle modifications, and complementary therapies.
Lili emphasizes, “By addressing the underlying factors contributing to asthma and allergies, such as inflammation and immune dysregulation, holistic management plans aim to optimize overall health and well-being.” Aside from diet and exercise, she says,” Patients can also take Quercetin, which is a good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Some additional holistic options to implement are ginger, vitamin C, and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) – this helps decrease the congestion by breaking down the mucus.”
Collaboration with OnePeak Medical Providers
In advocating for collaborative care, Lili underlines the role of OnePeak Medical providers, noting, “Getting to work with a OnePeak Medical provider is a great resource for empowering individuals to take control of their health and find holistic tools for doing so.” She emphasizes the importance of open communication and partnership between patients and providers, fostering a supportive environment for shared decision-making and goal-setting. Through ongoing collaboration, individuals can access comprehensive care and personalized interventions to manage asthma and allergies effectively.
Conclusion
By understanding triggers, embracing proactive measures, and collaborating with OnePeak Medical healthcare providers, individuals can navigate asthma and allergies with confidence and resilience. If you are suffering from ongoing asthma and allergies, contact your OnePeak Medical provider today! Together, we can develop a holistic healthcare plan to alleviate your symptoms and enhance your respiratory health.