Practice News
As we all continue to live with the COVID-19 pandemic, requirements for face coverings continue to expand, some patients with asthma may have questions about wearing masks in public. Here is what we know.
Face masks help to slow the spread of the virus. Masks can help keep people who may have the virus from transmitting it to others. Cloth face masks are available for purchase in many stores or online. They can also be made at home from common materials at low cost. One benefit of cloth face masks is they can be washed and reused so they are always available. As noted in our previous emails and on our website, masks with a one way valve should not be used, as these types of masks can permit droplets to be released from the mask increasing the possibility of spreading infection.
Face masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
There is no evidence that wearing a face mask makes asthma worse. However, it is possible that some people with asthma may feel it is more difficult to get an adequate breath while wearing a face mask. While we support and advocate that people follow CDC recommendations, some people with asthma do not feel they can breathe adequately while wearing a mask. These individuals should avoid going to public places as much as possible. Being in public without a face mask may increase the chances of passing on the COVID-19 virus to others, even if symptoms are not present, or becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus.
If you feel you can only wear a mask for a short time, plan for any necessary outings to public places to be as short as possible and to wear your mask as long as possible. It may be helpful to try different face coverings at home to find one that is most comfortable, and practice wearing the mask at home for a period before your next outing. Always use a clean mask for each outing. If possible, don’t take your mask off and put it back on during a single outing, as touching the mask increases the possibility of contamination.
We recommend that everyone continue to practice good hand hygiene and limit touching their face, especially when in public. Masks are not a replacement for social distancing, which continues to be extremely important in stopping the spread of the virus.
We strongly recommend that anyone with asthma continue to take their maintenance asthma medications to keep their symptoms under control and to reduce their risk for an asthma exacerbation or hospitalization.
If you have any questions about your or your loved one’s asthma and allergy symptoms, please make an appointment with one of our allergy specialists. We are offering Telehealth as well as in office visits.
“My experience at the clinic has been very positive. Front desk staff is attentive, the nurses are professional, Dr. Engler was precise with his evaluation and billing was accurate. Even with a constant wave of patients coming through the doors the staff provides professional and courteous service. Would definitely recommend to friends and family”
-Ray W
I've been a patient at The Allergy and Asthma Clinic for over 12 years, and I can't speak highly enough of the care I've received. Growing up with severe pollen allergies, I’ve been on and off allergy shots for years, and this clinic has truly been a lifesaver for me. Read More
-Trevor C
I had an amazing experience at this clinic. Dr. Engler and the staff were all extremely welcoming, warm, and thorough in their various lanes of work from the front desk to billing to the assistants to Dr. Engler himself. Read More
-Christina L
Hands down the best place to go for Allergies and Asthma. The staff is incredibly kind and caring and so professional and helpful. I've been going here for over 30 years and they have gone out of their way countless times to make sure that I was well-cared-for. Read More
-Sandi S.
Had 2 visits here and the recommendations worked to drastically reduce my seasonal allergies. The staff is friendly aNR professional and the office is very clean. They go the extra mile to prevent germ and virus spread.
-David G
Love all the help from Dr. Engler + all the friendly staff! It’s a pleasure receiving care here, and these shots have improved my allergies significantly. It can be 30 minutes wait time to receive your shots during peak hours though, so plan accordingly! :)
-Linda Q
Dr. Engler is great and his staff, both medical and administrative, are wonderful. Dr. Engler is competent, caring, and listens better than any doctor I've ever had, constantly and patiently asking if I have any more questions. Read More
-Tom B
First and foremost let me start by saying that these people did one hell of a job figuring out my sinus problems. When I first arrived there, I explained what was going on with me having excessive inflammation in the sinus. Read More
-Johnathon T
“Wow! I'm going to age myself by saying that I haven't received customer care like this in decades! Finally a doctor and staff that are consistently welcoming and caring across the board.”
-Tee J
"I highly recommend coming here to see Dr. Andrew Engler (and shout-out to nurse Jessica) for allergies for experienced and high-quality care. This is one of the best-run doctor's office / clinic I've ever gone to and the people are so nice, patient, helpful (nurses, front desk, doctor). The allergy test was comprehensive (~80 allergens) and aftercare was great. They also had billing come talk to me to make sure I understood the pricing since it was a long-term treatment plan. Great experience."
-Jenny Li
Food Allergies
Insect Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Skin allergies
Other CommonAllergies
Nose & Sinus Allergies
Lifestyle Changes
First and foremost let me start by saying that these people did one hell of a job figuring out my sinus problems. When I first arrived there, I explained what was going on with me having excessive inflammation in the sinus…after they tested me, I found out that I was being exposed to dust mites which gave me a strong reaction. I followed the doctors guides lines in terms of cleaning my room and ever since, my sinus inflammation went away for good and now I have a healthy sinus. Thank you for everything.
My 10 year old son also has allergies and asthma and the staff makes sure that he feels well taken care of and comfortable, despite his having Autism and ADHD. He actually looks forward to going there with me, whether it be for my allergy shots or even when he needed allergy skin testing. When you’re a patient at the Allergy and Asthma clinic, you are treated as if you are the only patient they have, even when the waiting room is full. Dr. Engler has hired truly excellent staff, from the front desk people to the nurses and medical assistants. If you have allergies and/or asthma and you live on the Peninsula or even in the city, I highly recommend that you visit the Allergy and Asthma Clinic. They are truly amazing and will make you feel so much better.
