Link to Video: http://video.foxnews.com/v/4119282010001
Allergy News
Dr. Bassett Contributes to Good Housekeeping – What Doctors Wish You Knew About Allergies
It’s not just you: More people are suffering from allergies than ever before. The advice these doctors give their closest pals can help you get relief and enjoy spring again.
1. Stop stressing.
“When a person with allergies is under stress, the immune system can respond by making their symptoms worse. And I often tell my friends and family, if you’re not coping with your stress, your allergy medicine may not be as effective.
Read More: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/womens-health/doctors-allergy-thoughts
Dr. Bassett Contributes to Fox News – Can you really be allergic to the cold?
Winter is often a time to enjoy the beauty of nature’s scenes and children playing in the snow, but for those who suffer from cold induced hives, it can also be a time of fear and trepidation.
The condition is called cold urticarial and it presents itself in the form of a rash that is intensely itchy, and welts on the skin. It is often triggered by histamine being released, such as from an allergic reaction, and occurs most frequently in adults aged 20-40. The most common symptoms include localized hives after the skin is exposed to anything cold, such as air, water or car keys.
Read More: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/02/25/can-really-be-allergic-to-cold/
Dr. Bassett Contributes to The Weather Channel – Why This Allergy Season Will Be The Worst
Every year without a doubt you probably hear these fearful words: “It’s going to be the worst allergy season ever.” Is it just a scare tactic or is there something to it? This year, science can back up the popular claim.
“There’s a couple factors,” Dr. Clifford Bassett, founder and medical director at Allergy and Asthma Care of New York, told weather.com. “One is the rising long term increase in carbon dioxide and its effect on increased production of pollen,” and another is what he calls “the priming effect.”
Read More: http://www.weather.com/health/allergy/news/worst-allergy-season-ever
Dr. Bassett on Wall Street Journal Video – Study: Introducing Peanuts Early Could Deter Allergies
An anticipated study finds that feeding infants peanuts in the first year of life may prevent allergies in later childhood. Allergy expert Dr. Clifford Bassett discusses.
Dr. Bassett Comments on Allergies in Top 10 Environmental Health Stories of 2014
Ebola, Water Quality and Allergies are among the top 10 environmental health stories of 2014.“We’ve had record warm days, and as of result of that, greater healthier plants pollinating, record pollen counts and so forth,” he said of 2014. It also makes reactive plants, such as poison ivy, grow faster and become more toxic, he added. Read Dr. Bassett’s take on allergies here.
A Gluten Allergy vs. Celiac Disease
Gluten-free diets are all the rage, but for thousands of Americans with celiac disease, the need for internal well-being is far more than a weight loss gimmick. Yet diagnosis of celiac disease is notoriously hard to pin down. We discuss why.
In this video on Huff Post Live, originally aired on November 19, 2014, Dr. Clifford Bassett discusses gluten allergies and cliac disease. Learn more by watching the full video.
The Worst Fall Allergy Cities of 2014
Urban areas also have a higher number of male plants — the pollinating kind — which can make allergies worse. “Men are the bad guys when it comes to the plants,” Dr. Bassett said.
If you live in the “pollen belt” — the swath of the country that stretches from the southern Midwest to the Southeast — you might be experiencing extra seasonal symptoms this fall. Read Dr. Clifford Bassett’s comments on Fall Allergy Cities here: http://www.weather.com/health/worst-fall-allergy-cities-2014-20141030
8 Ways To Take The Fear Out of Halloween Food Allergies
First, it is essential to confirm whether you or your child have a food allergy by visiting an allergist and having the appropriate testing done and interpreted. Once confirmed, learn how to be a label detective, and be aware of potential foods and food ingredients that may wreak havoc if ingested by a family member with a food allergy.
Here are my tips for a safe, allergy-free Halloween: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/10/29/8-ways-to-take-fear-out-halloween-food-allergies-1110681196/
What is an allergist?
An allergist refers to a doctor that specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment as well as management of asthma and other disorders that are related to the immune system. To be an allergist, one must go through years of academic and professional training. That is, four years in college, four years in medical school, three years of residency training in pediatrics or internal medicine as well as a two to three year fellowship in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. They must conclude with passing a difficult exam before they are certified by the board. Although many people exhibit allergic reactions to different substances, not many of them seek proper medical attention because they do not know what an allergist does.
Allergists also devote themselves to understanding the various triggers that cause allergic diseases and how to identify and manage them. Additionally, they educate their patients in modifying their environment for optimal management of their allergies.
Who should see an Allergist?
Allergists offer expert medical counsel relating to the evaluation, treatment and management of patients with immune problems and allergic diseases. Some of the conditions and diseases that may warrant evaluation, treatment and management by an allergist include the following:
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis for seasonal and year-round allergies
- Atopic dermatitis-commonly referred to as eczema
- Allergic eye diseases
- Food and Spice Allergies
- Latex Allergies
- Stinging Insect Allergies
- Urticaria (hives and skin rashes)
- Chronic sinus infections
- Chronic cough
- Immune problems
- Frequent colds/bronchitis
In some instances, otolaryngologists, dermatologists, rheumatologists and pulmonologists may refer their patients to allergists.
The Role of an Allergist in the Management and Treatment of Allergic Diseases
Allergists are specially trained to deal with prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of problems of the immune system. Allergists play an important role in minimizing the number emergency room visits as well as reduce the absenteeism from school and work as they assist their patients in the management of their disease. They are trained to review the patient’s medical history, their family history, and symptoms as well as their work and home environments. Based on all of these factors, they can develop an appropriate management plan that combines environmental control measures and medication or even allergen immunotherapy to eradicate the patient’s allergies.
When to See an Allergist
Many people are not sure about when they need to visit an allergist. In fact, it is common to find patients with allergic reactions who are taking over the counter medications. It is advisable to consult an allergist at the earliest opportunity. In most cases, they will conduct skin prick testing, to identify the cause of the allergy. If needed, intradermal testing, skin patch testing and/or lung function testing can also be done in the office. Proper diagnosis can lead to an allergy free life because you will receive proper treatment. Some of the signs to look out for that may necessitate a visit to the allergist include:
- Recurrent skin rashes
- Severe or moderate eczema
- Asthma that has symptoms that affect work, sleep or school
- Severe or moderate food allergy
- Serious reaction to mosquito bites, ant bites or bee stings
- Recurring allergic rhinitis symptoms
In conclusion, while many people may not know what is an allergist, it is important to seek medical help for allergies early enough to prevent severe cases.