November 19, 2012

In this week’s What’s Going Around we’re focusing on severe asthma and pityriasis rosea.

Dr. Alexander Schult of Martha Jefferson Medical and Surgical Associates says he's noticed an increase in patients with severe asthma. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough.

When it comes to treatment, Dr. Schult suggests nebulizers and a possible trip to your doctor or emergency room. A physician may prescribe antibiotics and oral steroids.

At Palmyra Medical Associates Dr. Paige Nolte is seeing more patients with a skin rash known as "pityriasis rosea."

The main symptom includes large flaky oval-shaped patches on your skin. It begins with a single lesion, followed in one or two weeks by a torso rash lasting six weeks.

Dr. Nolte says that there is no treatment required for the rash, but direct sunlight tends to help.