New Campaign Has Asthma Patients Asking—What’s My IgE? (NAPSA)—An estimated 60 percent of asthma patients have a fi Fi fi ia Pal * r i ie F yee ee * As r Fr; = ‘ ll p.. hia = es a e ca om, | 5 fa’ i os 1 allergic asthma, a type of asthma that is set off by allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores or cockroaches. Yet in the U.S., only a small percentage of asthma patients are tested for allergies. People with allergic asthma may produce too much Igk Gammunoglobulin E), a substance that occurs naturally in the body. The extra IgE, in turn, mayset off asthma symptoms—coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and wheezing—and attacks. People with allergic asthma may produce too much IgE. A new campaign is teaching people how to get tested. “People are often surprised to and management of their asthma with a specialist. “Patients with chronic condi- In some cases, it may lead to a trip to the emergency room. find out that approximately 60 percent of asthma patients have allergic asthma,” said Dr. Bill Storms, allergist with The William Storms Allergy Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “Because IgE is involved early in your body’s response to an allergen, reducing IgE may help prevent asthma symptoms and attacks before they start.” In an effort to educate the pub- lic about allergic asthma, raise awareness of IgE and the role of allergens in asthma, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is launching the “What’s My IgE?” campaign. According to Mike Tringale, director of external affairs at AAFA, knowing one’s IgE may provide patients with the informa- tion they need to discuss the cause tions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity know that the key to long-term managementis to know their numbers, whether it be blood sugar, blood pressure or body mass index,” said Tringale. “This campaign aims to create the same awareness of IgE among allergic asthma patients.” Visit the campaign web site www.WhatsMylgE.com for valu- able information on allergic asthma and IgE as well as free resources including an asthma specialist locator, Doctor Discus- sion Guide and downloadable “What’s My IgE?” brochure. “What’s My IgE?” is supported by Genentech, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. 8683900/XOL-900553
