BCHS physician to discuss advancements in treatments of asthma & allergies
 A recent nationwide survey found that more than half of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens, and allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease, with an estimated $18 billion annual health care costs. Alarmingly, these statistics are estimated to increase, presenting more challenges to patients and physicians alike to its management. Although self-help strategies such as avoiding the allergen can be helpful, in most cases, this is difficult and inadequate and most sufferers rely on pharmacologic intervention.
Dr. Nadine Potempa, pulmonologist and member of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff, will talk about advancements in the treatment of asthma and allergies on Wednesday, May 28, at the Burnham Brook Center.
Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System presents the program as part of its ongoing 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public. A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Potempa's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. For reservations call toll free 1-877-GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).
"Because allergic disease in most cases is life-long, effective management needs to be immediate, efficacious, and long-term," says Dr. Potempa. "Despite the availability of several medication options, the effectiveness of current therapies is limited by treatment formulations, frequency of dosage, and side effects, which can have an impact on treatment compliance and overall outcomes."
Recent therapeutic advances offer new options for treating allergic diseases. New formulations with a unique mechanism of action have contributed significantly to reducing the side effects.
One of the most effective allergic disease treatments is combination or tandem therapies. Together, inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2 agonists or a new drug, leukotriene modifiers, help millions of individuals breathe easier.
Combination therapy continues to be the focus of many of today's research studies and drug development initiatives. This past November, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) committee recommended approval of a new combination inhaler device which puts both inhaled corticosteroids and a long-acting bronchodilator in one inhaler device.
"Ease of use, coupled with reduced side effects, is paramount in fostering patient compliance with drug regimens," says Dr. Potempa. "The surge of patients turning to combination therapy is partially a reaction to undue concern over the possible long-term effects of corticosteroids on growth. Combination therapy is very appealing to many patients since it can allow for reduced doses of inhaled steroids."
Combination therapy is not limited to only inhaled steroids and bronchodilators. The development of leukotriene modifiers has also opened up new doors in the long-term management of asthma. Easy to administer since they are taken orally, leukotriene modifiers are gaining acceptance among many physicians and patients. Simple drug regimens such as once or twice a day dosing have also helped to increase patient compliance in using these drugs.
While much of today's drug arsenal can keep allergies and asthma in check, researchers are still seeking out new treatments which could ease suffering across the board.
Possibly one of the most promising of these new treatments is anti-IgE therapy. The theory behind anti-IgE therapy is that an antibody can 'short circuit' the first steps of the allergic response, thus preventing symptoms caused by allergen exposure. In allergic disease, researchers have focused their efforts on blocking the naturally occurring antibody Immunoglobulin E, known as IgE, which plays a major role in diseases such as asthma, anaphylaxis and seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Those with allergic disease harbor larger quantities of IgE than non-allergic individuals.
When a person prone to allergies inhales certain allergens, such as ragweed pollen or animal dander, IgE directed against that allergen is synthesized in the body and binds to specialized cells called mast cells. When the person comes in contact with the same allergen in the future, the allergen binds to the IgE antibody now seated on the mast cell. This connection triggers the release of inflammatory mediators from cells, such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, which cause the recognizable symptoms of allergic reactions, like a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, hives or coughing.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://www.burnhambrook.com , or call (269) 441-0948.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
About the Presenter:
Nadine Potempa received her medical degree from The Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University in Chicago before completing her internship and residency training in internal medicine at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. She was awarded a Fellowship in pulmonary and critical medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and completed specialized training in hyperbaric medicine at Nix Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Potempa is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the National Board of Medical Examiners in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, and
internal medicine. She is a member of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff and in private practice at The Lung Center located on the BCHS campus. She has been practicing pulmonary medicine for the past 10 years.
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