Methodist Health System | Methodist Charlton Medical Center | Shine | Spring 2015

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TO YOUR HEALTH ▸
Primary care
Seniors in the Best Southwest area of
Dallas now have a new primary care
clinic dedicated to their needs. The
health care providers at Methodist
Charlton Senior Care are internal
medicine specialists with a focus on
geriatric health care.
Among these providers is internal
medicine specialist Angela Bentle, MD,
4 Methodist Charlton Medical Center • ❁ Spring 2015
Don’t let your asthma
get mixed up with allergens
LONG-TERM RELIEF
Methodist Charlton offers bronchial thermoplasty
(BT) the newest and only nondrug procedure for
severe asthma patients approved by the U S Food
and Drug Administration Ask your asthma specialist
how BT can help you breathe easier For more
information visit
It’s spring in Texas, and that means allergy
season is here. Most people can manage
through the runny noses and dry coughs with
a few tissues. But for those with asthma,
allergies are nothing to sneeze at. Seasonal
allergies can trigger an asthma attack.
“Allergies acting up can be difficult for anyone,
but for someone with asthma, it’s 10 times
harder,” says Stephen Mueller, MD, pulmonologist
on the medical staff at Methodist Charlton
Medical Center. “By avoiding allergens, you can
help prevent an asthma attack and infections.”
Unfortunately, some allergens, like mold
or trees, can’t be avoided. That’s why it’s
important to not ignore allergy symptoms, but
rather be prepared.
Short of avoidance, Dr. Mueller suggests
that those with asthma:
w Use a saline nose spray or humidifier
to make sure sinuses and nasal cavities
are moist.
w Take antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays
to treat allergies.
w Keep their surroundings tidy by dusting
surfaces, removing stuffed animals, and
cleaning heavy carpets.
w Replace furnace filters as recommended.
w Try an air purifier.
w Keep in close contact with your physician
and asthma specialist. In some cases,
they may suggest allergy shots as
a treatment.