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An asthma attack is an acute flare-up of symptoms defined by sudden shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Managing asthma attacks includes both proactively responding to symptoms when they arise and staying on track with treatment in the long term. Learn more here.

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks | Alto Pharmacy

Many individuals with asthma are familiar with the experience of an asthma attack — an acute flare-up of symptoms defined by sudden shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. These exacerbations vary in intensity and require efficient and prompt treatment.

Management of asthma attacks is twofold. To immediately address symptoms in the moment, work with your provider to identify your asthma attack warning signs and establish a treatment strategy. In the longer term, identify and avoid triggers and stay on track with treatment, so as to reduce the frequency and intensity of these flare-ups.

Here’s more on recognizing, treating, and preventing asthma attacks.

Effective management of an asthma attack starts by recognizing the signs and symptoms and understanding what to do when they occur.

While individual experiences of an asthma attack may vary, these are some common signs and symptoms. Your doctor can help you in identifying your individual warning signs of an asthma attack.

The following symptoms of a severe asthma attack warrant immediate medical attention:

Severe breathlessness or wheezing, especially at night or in the early morning

Difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath

No improvement from quick-relief medication

Everyone with asthma should have an asthma action plan that documents their treatment needs, including what steps to take when asthma symptoms intensify. Work with your doctor to create your individual asthma action plan.

If and when you experience a flare-up of asthma symptoms, follow the steps in your treatment plan. If your PEF readings fall between 51% to 79% of your baseline, a common first step is to take quick-relief or “rescue” asthma medications.

These medications are taken on an as-needed basis, as prescribed by your doctor, and relax airway muscles to open the lungs. They relieve shortness of breath and wheezing within minutes and can stop an asthma attack in progress.

Common quick-relief asthma medications include:

Albuterol (ProAir® HFA, Proventil® HFA, and Ventolin® HFA)

Inhalers are the most common form of quick-relief asthma medications. Albuterol and levalbuterol are also available as a liquid solution for nebulizer use.

A quick-relief medication may sufficiently relieve symptoms and improve PEF readings. If symptoms do not improve, emergency medical care may be necessary. Your asthma action plan should help you determine when to seek emergency care.

In many cases, asthma attacks may be preventable. When followed on an ongoing basis, the steps below can help lower your chances of experiencing an asthma attack.

1. Follow your treatment plan and take maintenance medications as prescribed (if applicable).

Many individuals with moderate to severe asthma take long-term maintenance medication in addition to a quick-relief medication.

These medications ease inflammation in the airways, preventing exacerbations and controlling symptoms. You must take them as prescribed every day to experience their benefits.

There are two main types of long-term asthma control medications:

Inhaled corticosteroids including Flovent® HFA and Qvar Redihaler® 

Combination inhalers that contain both corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) including fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair Diskus®); budesonide and formoterol (Symbicort®); mometasone and formoterol (Dulera®); and fluticasone and vilanterol (Breo Ellipta®)

Asthma attacks may be caused by a variety of triggers including:

Each individual has different triggers. To identify yours, make a note of your asthma symptoms as they appear, including environmental factors that may have contributed to them. As you begin to learn your triggers, take necessary precautions to avoid them.

3. Avoid all cigarette smoke, including secondhand and thirdhand smoke.

Everyone with asthma can benefit from limiting their exposure to cigarette smoke, a frequent trigger of asthma attacks.

In addition to refraining from smoking yourself, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke, the residual smoke that remains on clothing or surrounding indoor surfaces. (Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources if needed.)

Allergic asthma accounts for 60% of all asthma cases in the U.S. and is triggered by allergens such as household dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. There are many ways to reduce the presence of allergens in your home, including:

Using the AC rather than opening windows when pollen counts are high

Using a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry, which will in turn prevent mold growth and dust mites

Vacuuming at least once a week, ideally using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which catches smaller particles like allergens

It’s especially important for those with asthma to stay current with vaccines, as respiratory infections like the flu can become more serious and/or trigger asthma symptoms.

Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need. For detailed vaccine recommendations by age group, reference the CDC’s recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents and adults.

Alto Pharmacy is here every step of the way to help you manage your asthma. Our team of pharmacists is available to answer questions about your medications, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Reach out by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how we can support your treatment plan.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that occurs when new skin cells grow too quickly as the result of immune-related inflammation. It is characterized by thick patches of skin covered with white or silver scales. There are a variety of treatment approaches that help slow down the growth of skin cells and treat symptoms.

Psoriasis, Explained

Here’s what to know about the condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Your body typically produces new skin cells over the course of several weeks. For those with psoriasis, new skin cells are formed in days. The excess cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to the development of thick, scaly patches in most psoriasis cases.

Psoriasis scales may develop anywhere on the body. Some people have just a few small flakes on their scalp or elbow while others have larger patches covering much of their skin.

Individuals of all ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities may develop psoriasis. In the U.S., roughly one-third of all psoriasis cases develop before the age of 20. It is a lifelong condition, with the exception of a type of psoriasis that resolves after childhood.

The specific causes of psoriasis aren’t fully understood, however, the immune system, genetics, and environmental factors likely all contribute to its development. If one parent has psoriasis, you are more likely to also develop the condition. If both parents have it, your risk increases further.

Smoking can increase both an individual’s risk of psoriasis and the severity of the condition.

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.

For most people with psoriasis, symptoms fluctuate over time. Symptoms may be severe for a few days or weeks before clearing up. Some people then go on to experience years without symptoms. The periodic flare-ups are typically triggered by environmental factors such as the following:

Infections including strep throat and skin infections

Weather, especially cold temperatures and dry air

Skin injuries including cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and sunburns

While symptoms of psoriasis can vary significantly from one individual to another, common symptoms include the following:

White or silver scales, also referred to as plaques, on the inflamed patches

Soreness, itching, or burning sensations on or near patches of irritated skin

A basic physical exam is often sufficient in diagnosing psoriasis, as symptoms are both visible and distinct from those of other conditions. 

In cases where a diagnosis is less clear, your doctor may order a biopsy, which is a small sample of your skin. Biopsies are typically performed in a doctor’s office with a local numbing agent.

Your provider may refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of skin conditions.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many treatments that lessen skin inflammation and scales, remove plaques, and slow down the turnover of skin cells. Your doctor will recommend the best approach for your needs and symptoms, typically starting with less invasive options. 

Topical treatments, or medications applied to the surface of skin, are typically the frontline treatment for psoriasis. They slow down skin cell growth and reduce inflammation. There are several types of topicals:

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and redness, and the most commonly prescribed medications for mild to moderate psoriasis. They are available in many forms, including oils, ointments, creams, lotions, gels, and more. Mild corticosteroid ointments like hydrocortisone are frequently used for sensitive areas while stronger creams and ointments like triamcinolone (Trianex®) and clobetasol (Cormax®, Temovate®) may be used for less sensitive areas or patches that don’t respond to hydrocortisone.

Non-steroid topicals including synthetic forms of vitamin D such as calcipotriene (Dovonex®, Sorilux®) and calcitriol (Vectical®) may be prescribed as an alternative to steroids. Like steroids, these treatments can help control plaques. They may cause less irritation than other treatments.

There are also over-the-counter topical treatments in the form of lotions, foams, tars, shampoos, and more. The active ingredients salicylic acid and coal tar are FDA-approved for psoriasis treatment. Always consult your doctor before beginning an over-the-counter treatment.

Light therapy is often a first line treatment for moderate or severe psoriasis, alone or in tandem with medications. In this treatment, the skin is exposed to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light. There are many types of light therapy, from simple exposure to sunlight to controlled doses of UVB broadband and UVB narrowband light and more. Your doctor can help you determine if these therapies are appropriate for you.

If your symptoms are moderate to severe, or if they haven’t responded to frontline treatments, your doctor may recommend an oral or injected medication. Since some of these medications have the potential for more severe side effects, they are used for short periods of time or alternated with other medications.

Biologics, a class of medications that are derived from antibodies and act on your immune system to prevent inflammation

Retinoids, vitamin A-based treatment typically prescribed in a hospital setting for severe psoriasis. Due to the potential for birth defects, retinoids are not safe to take during pregnancy, or three years prior to pregnancy.

Cyclosporine (Sandimmune®) is an immunosuppressant medication that decreases your immune system’s response to ease psoriasis symptoms. Since it weakens your immune system, it can make you more susceptible to illness.

Methotrexate is another immunosuppressant that may be prescribed as an alternative to cyclosporine. There is the potential for serious side effects with long-term use, but when used in low doses in the short term, side effects are typically mild.

Managing psoriasis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about treatment, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows elsewhere. It can cause significant pain in some cases and is often a factor in female infertility.

Various forms of pain relief and fertility treatment can help address endometriosis symptoms and related health complications. Here’s what to know about the condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Endometriosis: A Leading and Treatable Cause of Female Infertility

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows elsewhere. It can cause significant pain in some cases and is often a factor in female infertility.

Various forms of pain relief and fertility treatment can help address endometriosis symptoms and related health complications. Here’s what to know about the condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

The endometrium is the tissue that typically lines the lining of the uterus. Endometriosis occurs when this type of tissue grows outside of the uterus, most commonly in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lining of the pelvic cavity. It may also grow in the intestines, rectum, bladder, vagina, cervix, or vulva. In extremely rare cases, it may be found outside of the pelvic area.

Just like endometrial tissue that grows normally in the uterine lining, the abnormal tissue that characterizes endometriosis thickens and bleeds during each menstrual cycle. However, whereas normal endometrial tissue is shed with the cycle, the abnormal tissue cannot leave the body. This can lead to inflammation and scarring of the surrounding tissue, as well as adhesions that bind the pelvic organs to one another.

In cases of endometriosis where tissue grows in the ovaries, the condition may lead to the development of cysts in the ovaries.

There is a spectrum of severity of endometriosis cases, defined by the amount of excess tissue and resulting cysts, scar tissue, or adhesions. The level of pain, which varies by individual, does not always correlate to the stage or severity of the condition. Pain typically peaks during a menstrual period.

The specific causes of endometriosis have not been identified, but the medical community believes that the following factors may contribute to its development:

Retrograde or reverse menstruation, in which endometrial tissue flows backwards through the fallopian tubes and into the abdomen during a menstrual cycle

Transformation of the cells that line the inside of the abdomen into endometrial-like tissue as the result of hormone or immune factors

Transformation of embryonic cells into endometrial-like tissue during puberty as the result of hormone factors

Attachment of endometrial cells to an incision during surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy or c-section

Transport of endometrial cells to other parts of the body via blood vessels or lymphatic fluid

Issues with the immune system that keep the body from destroying abnormal endometrial tissue

In addition, the following risk factors are often linked to endometriosis:

Getting your first menstrual cycle at an early age

Having an abnormally short menstrual cycle (e.g., less than 21 days)

Abnormally heavy menstrual periods lasting beyond seven days

Other health conditions that prevent the flow of menstrual blood during a menstrual period

There is also evidence that endometriosis may have a genetic component. You may have a higher risk of developing it if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with the condition.

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

Pain, especially severe menstrual cramps in the abdomen or lower back

Painful urination or bowel movements during menstrual periods

Gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea

Endometriosis can look very different from one individual to another, with varying experiences of symptoms. In some cases, the condition may not be accompanied by any noticeable symptoms.

How endometriosis affects female fertility

Endometriosis is a leading cause of female infertility, as abnormal growth of endometrial tissue can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the fertilization of an egg. It accounts for 24-50% of all female infertility cases, and one-third to one-half of individuals with the condition experience difficulty conceiving.

In mild or moderate cases of endometriosis, surgery to remove adhesions, cysts, and scar tissue is all that is needed to restore fertility. In other cases, additional procedures or fertility treatment may be required.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is critical to effectively treating the condition. However, the diagnosis process can be lengthy, with multiple steps, as symptoms frequently overlap with those of ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

An evaluation for endometriosis begins with a conversation about your health history. Several tests may be used during the diagnostic process, including the following.

A transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, which provides images of your reproductive organs to help your doctor identify cysts potentially related to endometriosis

A laparoscopy, a procedure that inserts a small camera through the abdomen with the goal of directly identifying endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. This is the only procedure that can definitively confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis.

Severe pain from endometriosis can affect daily activities, and there are a variety of pain relief options, including both medications and surgery. Your doctor will likely try non-surgical interventions as a starting point and recommend procedures if the condition does not respond to initial treatment.

The following treatments may be used to treat discomfort caused by endometriosis or related health issues:

Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen

Supplemental hormones including the male hormone androgen, which can regulate hormonal production or minimize fluctuation to prevent abnormal tissue growth

Hormonal birth control including pills, patches, and vaginal rings, which prevent abnormal tissue growth by decreasing fertility

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, which block the production of estrogen to prevent menstruation

If symptoms do not improve after the treatments above, your doctor may recommend surgery. In addition to its usage during the diagnosis process, a laparoscopy can remove abnormal endometrial-like tissue. 

A hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix, is typically reserved for severe cases. The procedure permanently affects your fertility, and you will not be able to become pregnant after the procedure. It’s important to consult your doctor about your options as well as your reproductive goals before moving forward.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) — a process in which eggs and sperm are fertilized and then placed into the uterus with the potential outcome of a pregnancy — can help individuals experiencing endometriosis-related infertility conceive.

In cases where fallopian tubes are blocked or severe scar tissue is present, your doctor may recommend proceeding directly to IVF before trying to conceive naturally.

Since 2016, Alto has supported more than 50,000 fertility journeys. We understand that fertility treatment is a significant investment — physically, emotionally, and financially — and we see ourselves as a partner in your health.

We offer free, same-day delivery seven days a week and temperature controlled packaging to ensure that your fertility medications always arrive in the right condition. And our fertility-trained pharmacists are available until 9 pm PST (12 midnight EST) on weeknights to offer any support you need.

Everyone should prioritize their heart health and take impactful steps to lower their risk of heart disease, a widespread and serious condition. For those with diabetes, it’s especially important to be proactive, as the condition doubles your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Understanding the Diabetes-Heart Health Connection

Read on to learn how diabetes affects heart health and what you can do to lower your risk of heart disease if you have diabetes.

The term heart disease refers to several different conditions that affect the heart:

Coronary artery disease — the most common type of heart disease — occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood are hardened or blocked, affecting blood flow to the heart.

Peripheral arterial disease is characterized by a similar hardening of the arteries in the legs and feet. It is often the first sign of cardiovascular disease in an individual with diabetes.

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood and oxygen as well as a healthy heart, often due to damaged heart muscle or blocked arteries.

A stroke occurs when the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain is blocked, often due to a blood clot or the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels.

Diabetes is one of several primary drivers of heart disease, along with uncontrollable risk factors like age and family history as well as controllable ones such as:

The connection between diabetes and heart health is twofold. First, it can directly increase your risk of heart disease, as high blood sugar — the defining feature of diabetes — can gradually damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart.

Secondly, diabetes may increase your risk for other heart-related conditions, specifically:

High blood pressure, which occurs when the force of the blood flowing through your arteries is consistently too high, causing the heart to work harder. Damaged blood vessels as the result of diabetes can lead to high blood pressure. According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three individuals with diabetes have high blood pressure or take blood pressure-lowering medication.

High levels of LDL cholesterol, which can also damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke. Elevated levels of cholesterol and other blood fats like triglycerides often go hand in hand with diabetes.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are not accompanied with visible symptoms in many cases. For this reason, it’s important to stay on track with preventative screenings and to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

If you have any condition that falls under the umbrella of diabetes — including prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes — it’s important to learn the symptoms of heart disease. These are among the most common:

Heart disease presents differently from one individual to another. However, if you have diabetes and experience any of the symptoms above — especially chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or fatigue — it’s important to seek prompt medical care.

If you have diabetes, there are several steps you can take to lower your risk for heart disease. First and foremost, stay proactive about your diabetes treatment and work with your doctors to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

There’s a useful acronym to help you remember important diabetic preventative actions — aka the ABCs:

A: Staying on track with the A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Work with your doctor to identify your personal target range.

B: Staying on track with blood pressure screenings. Your doctor can help you understand your personal goal, however, a healthy range for those with diabetes is typically considered under 140/90 mm Hg.

C: Staying on track with cholesterol screenings and keeping LDL levels in a healthy range. As with your A1C and blood pressure levels, follow your doctor’s guidance regarding your personal target for cholesterol.

S: Avoid smoking, as it narrows your blood vessels, worsening diabetes and increasing your risk for heart disease. Ask your doctor for support with smoking cessation if needed.

In addition, follow a heart-healthy diet:

Opt for foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats, which increase LDL cholesterol levels. Low-fat dairy products and chicken are healthier alternatives to full-fat dairy products and red meats.

Try to limit your sodium intake to 1,500 mg/day. Common sources of sodium include processed or prepackaged foods like soups, cold cuts, bread, and frozen meals.

When it comes to nutrition and diabetes, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The ideal balance of calories from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats varies significantly by individual, so it’s important to consult your doctor about the approach that best supports your treatment plan. Consider working with a nutritionist or diabetes educator, a healthcare professional with extensive knowledge of diabetes who is certified to provide individualized coaching.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to treat or prevent heart disease, in tandem with the above lifestyle changes. Heart disease medications commonly prescribed to individuals with diabetes include:

Empagliflozin (Jardiance®) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga®) help those with type 2 diabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels and manage heart disease.

Statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®), fluvastatin (Lescol®), lovastatin (Mevacor®, Altoprev®), pitavastatin (Livalo®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor®), and simvastatin (Zocor®) help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Blood pressure-lowering medications including beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics may also be used to prevent or manage heart disease in individuals with diabetes.
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At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to manage your risk for heart health issues and stay on track with your individual treatment plan, whether it includes medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Navigating a Diagnosis of Prediabetes

1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes, a health condition defined by higher than normal blood sugar levels and which often precedes type 2 diabetes. While it can be overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of prediabetes, the condition is both treatable and reversible. Simple lifestyle changes, sometimes combined with medication, can prevent prediabetes from progressing into type 2 diabetes.

Here’s an overview of common next steps after a prediabetes diagnosis. This is intended to provide general information about managing prediabetes. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Prediabetes is primarily defined by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but still below the official range for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Two tests may be used to diagnose prediabetes:

The fasting blood sugar test, which measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level between 100-125 mg/dL indicates a prediabetes diagnosis.

The A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. An A1C level of 5.7%-6.4% indicates a prediabetes diagnosis.

Prediabetes does not have visible symptoms. More than 84% of all those living with the condition don’t know that they have it. It’s important to be proactive about testing if you are at risk. Speak with your doctor if you are:

Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander — for reasons not yet understood, researchers have found higher rates of type 2 diabetes in these racial and ethnic groups

Nutrition plays a significant role in the management of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Prioritizing certain foods and avoiding or reducing your intake of others can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Here are general dietary considerations for people with prediabetes. It’s important to work closely with a doctor or dietitian before starting a new diet plan.

Fiber is a carbohydrate found in plant-based foods, and which the body can’t digest. Since it isn’t digested, it does not increase glucose levels. It is commonly found in:

Fruits including apples, bananas, oranges, and strawberries

Non-starchy vegetables including beets, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots

Nuts and seeds including almonds, chestnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and pistachios

Whole grains - check nutrition labels for the words “whole” or “whole grains”

Legumes including black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, and peas

Limit your intake of sweetened, sugary beverages

Without any fat or protein to balance carbohydrates, sweetened beverages are associated with a greater risk for type 2 diabetes. Limit your intake of soda, sweetened tea, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages.

Speak with your doctor about your recommended carbohydrate intake

Certain carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels more than others, specifically refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and some potatoes. (Soda and some types of juice also fall under this category.) They digest quickly and should be consumed in small amounts by those with prediabetes and diabetes.

At the same time, it’s a misconception that you should avoid all carbohydrates if you have prediabetes. Low-carb diets may not be appropriate for some individuals with other health conditions such as high cholesterol or heart disease. Speak with your doctor for individualized recommendations.

There are several reasons why physical activity is important for individuals with prediabetes:

It increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin.

It can help you maintain a healthy weight.

The American Heart Association recommends about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or 20-25 minutes each day. Activities that fall under that category include brisk walking, swimming, or biking.

To build a fitness routine that sticks, start off slower and build your way up to a more intense workout, and be sure to find activities that you enjoy.

Smoking is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It increases inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which have been associated with diabetes. Heavier, more frequent smoking is linked to a greater risk for diabetes.

If you are finding it challenging to quit, ask your doctor for resources that may help. Nicotine replacement therapy can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend supplementing the above lifestyle changes with medication to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

Metformin is one of the most common oral medications used to treat prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It regulates your blood sugar levels by reducing how much glucose is produced during digestion.

To experience the full benefits of metformin, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while taking the medication.

Read What to Know About Metformin for additional information.

Some individuals with prediabetes may be prescribed weight loss medications for short-term use, as maintaining a healthy weight is part of managing prediabetes. Many of these medications are associated with health risks like high blood pressure and may not be appropriate for some individuals.

Keep in mind that your treatment needs may change over time. If you are prescribed medication for prediabetes, you won’t necessarily have to take it indefinitely. For instance, if lifestyle changes and metformin are effective at restoring healthy blood sugar levels, your doctor may have you taper off of the medication.

Managing prediabetes is easier with the right pharmacy partner by your side. The Alto app simplifies medication management and our dedicated diabetes support team is here to make sure you have everything you need.

All air quality significantly impacts your respiratory health, not just outdoor air pollution. Indoor air is often filled with irritants including smoke, allergens, and chemicals. These substances can irritate the lungs and airways, causing inflammation and reducing lung function, which refers to how well your lungs work.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Given that the average American spends approximately 90% of their time inside, it’s important to keep the air inside your home as clean as possible, especially if you are susceptible to seasonal allergies or have respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

Use the simple precautions below as a starting point for better breathing at home.

Exposure to secondhand smoke, or exhaled cigarette smoke, adversely impacts respiratory health. It is a contributing factor to the development of COPD and may also cause a flare-up of COPD symptoms, also referred to as an acute exacerbation. For some individuals with asthma, secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack, which is defined by sudden shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

Blog

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks

Psoriasis, Explained

Endometriosis: A Leading and Treatable Cause of Female Infertility

Understanding the Diabetes-Heart Health Connection

Navigating a Diagnosis of Prediabetes

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

How Alto Lowers the Cost of Fertility Treatment Through Better Medication Management

Choosing the Right Birth Control for You

Osteoporosis, Explained

Meet the Newest Members of Our Advisory Board

AMH Testing in Fertility Treatment

The Difference Between Extended- and Immediate-Release Medications

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