Fall allergy season is in full swing here in New York City. This morning Dr. Bassett spoke with Al Roker over on The Weather Channel about the most common symptoms and treatments to help you enjoy the beautiful Fall weather symptom free!
Dr. Bassett discusses Fall Allergies on Wake Up with Al
Click the image above to check out the video!
Some Phones, Tablets, Computers Can Cause Redness, Itchiness, Blisters, Swelling
We use our electronic devices for all sorts of things – from talking and looking up information to playing games.
But as CBS 2’s Elise Finch reported Monday, the frequent use of such gadgets is actually making some people sick.
Smartphones, tablets and laptops are the devices that keep us connected. But as an article in the most recent issue of the journal Pediatrics pointed out, one 11-year-old boy’s persistent rash turned out to be due to the frequent use of his iPad.
It turned out the child was allergic to the nickel on the exterior of the device.
“A lot of high-tech gadgets — whether it’s phones or tablets or computers — are made of aluminum,” explained CNET senior editor Dan Ackerman. “They’re made of stainless steel, but they can have alloys that have nickel in them.”
Meanwhile, allergist Dr. Clifford Bassett of Allergy & Asthma Care of New York said he is seeing more patients with skin rashes as a result of gadgets made with nickel.
“Usually redness, itchiness, even blisters can occur; swelling — it can be very uncomfortable,” Bassett said. “And people may not realize they’re allergic to something they use all the time.”
Children are particularly susceptible because nickel allergies are rare and parents often do not know their child is allergic.
Ana Aguilar of the Bronx said that is why she limits how long her daughter can use her electronic devices, and she makes sure they have protective cases.
“I prefer something that’s silicone, you know, as opposed to anything that’s metal and touches your hands and goes to the child’s mouth,” Aguilar said.
If you think you are having an allergic reaction to one of your devices, there are kits you can buy to test for the presence of nickel.
“You place a couple drops of this solution on a cotton swab. You rub the metal,” Bassett said. “If it changes color, it indicates there is nickel in that metal.”
“I think it’s a good idea just for people who know that they’re allergic, I guess, to be safe rather than sorry,” said Andrea Iammaetto, of New Hyde Park, Long Island.
Nickel test kits are available online for about $20, and take less than a minute to yield a result. If your device does contain nickel and you are having a reaction to it, the right case can usually stop it – but you are urged to get checked out by a doctor.
Nickel allergies are not life-threatening, but the rashes the cause can be very uncomfortable.
Read the full article and watch the video on the CBS New York News website.
Dr Clifford Bassett recently appeared on CBS New York News to be interviewed about carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon monoxide leak at a Long Island mall restaurant left one person dead and dozens hospitalized over the weekend. Dr. Cliff Bassett, medical director of the Allergy and Asthma Care Of New York, talks about what you should do if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak and the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Watch the Video Here…
See the CBS New York News Website Here
A new study reveals that Baby Boomers who suffer from Asthma could have dramatic health risks as they get older. The disease is often misdiagnosed and under treated. CBS News consulted with Dr Clifford Bassett, NYC Allegrist, to produce this timely and informative television report.
NEW YORK (WABC) — This is the worst allergy season in 10 years. That means those 93 million sufferers across the country are putting up with lots of itchy eyes, runny noses and wheezing lungs.
Residential broker Michelle Jason says her allergies got in the way. That is until she started getting regular shots at Dr. Clifford Bassett’s Kips Bay office.
“I didn’t realize that over the summer and the winter when I wasn’t feeling well was still allergy related,” Jason said.
“Sometimes we put the blame in the wrong place. Here’s a myth. If you use one brand of allergy medication, you build up a tolerance and it will stop working,” Dr. Bassett said.
“The good news is you cannot build up a tolerance to allergy medications particularly antihistamines,” said Dr. Bassett. “They work on day one, day 50, or day 100.”
Myth number two, is that you should only take medication when you have symptoms.
“We know that medications work in lower doses early on in the season before the symptoms really take hold. Early treatment is excellent treatment,” Dr. Bassett said.
Myth number three is that allergy shots only work in children.
In fact, experts say immunotherapy has nothing to do with age.
Four, flowers are a leading allergy irritant.
“Just because something looks good and smells nice doesn’t mean it will cause an allergy. Get a list of good allergy plants and ones that are not so great for allergy sufferers,” Dr. Bassett said.
Myth five is that if you eat local honey you won’t get seasonal allergies.
“It sounds nice it sounds holistic,” said Dr. Bassett, “It’s not something I would count on for allergy relief this season. Occasionally, there are people who have a reaction to the honey.”
Six, if you didn’t have allergies as a child, you’re in the clear as an adult.
“We see people in their 50s 60s and 70s and beyond who have allergies for the very first time because we’re seeing a pollen explosion because climate change and pollen production,” Dr. Bassett said.
Last but not least, short-haired pets won’t irritate allergies.
“We get this all the time. My mother-in-law’s dog or cat is bothersome but mine is not. The bottom line is there are differences in the proteins in the salvations glands and the skin of the animal that comes out in the fur or saliva. In some cases there may be difference. It’s really not clear,” Dr. Bassett said.
One thing is clear, you can take easy steps now to help.
“Wear a hat, wear sunglasses on a windy day, wash your hair at night you’ll wash away the pollen that accumulates during the day. Those are three simple things that actually work and do the trick,” Dr. Bassett said.
Allergies can make your life sheer torture, and this year experts predict the worst allergy season ever. Luckily, Dr. Oz and Dr. Bassett have quick cures to get relief from allergies. Use these strategies to alleviate your symptoms.
Worst Allergy Season Ever – Part 2 Allergies can make your life sheer torture, and this year experts predict the worst allergy season ever. Luckily, Dr. Oz and Dr. Bassett have quick cures to get relief from allergies. Use these strategies to alleviate your symptoms.
It is shaping up to be one of the earliest allergy seasons here in the big apple. Sufferers need to have a proactive allergist directed action plan to reduce pollen misery and make them allergy survivors!
Take a look at this video for some tips from Dr. Bassett
This fall is predicted to be one of the worst allergy seasons on record due to this summer’s heavy rainfall and record heat. Dr. Jennifer Ashton reports and gives some tips from Dr. Clifford Bassett on how to ease allergy symptoms.
Dr. Clifford Bassett is interviewed by on ABC News Healthy Living host Dan Kloeffler on the subject of allergies and asthma aggravated by post storm flooding and standing water. As Dr Bassett explains at this time of year we are getting hit by a double whammy: ragweed pollen and post storm mold spores.
