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.
News
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Announces the 2011 Fall Allergy Capitals Rankings
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Today the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) announces the release of the 2011 Fall Allergy Capitals(TM) rankings, identifying the 100 most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies within the United States. This season, Knoxville, Tennessee was rated the #1 Fall Allergy Capital due to high pollen counts, high use of allergy medications by patients and too few allergists to treat the burgeoning allergy population.
The Fall Allergy Capitals Rankings is an annual research project and the rankings are based on a scientific analysis of 3 factors for the 100 largest metro areas in the U.S. The data measured and compared each year includes the Pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores), number of allergy medications used per patient and the number of allergy specialists per patient. A full report of the 2011 Fall Allergy Capitals rankings is available at www.AllergyCapitals.com.
Indoor Air Quality: The Inside Scoop
Nearly 40 million Americans have nasal allergies and over 10 million have allergic asthma. For these millions of adults and children allergic to pollen, the next few months will push them indoors to avoid wind-swept allergens and to ultimately escape the chronic symptoms of fall allergies: runny nose and congestion, itchy and watery eyes, violent sneezing, and even coughing and wheezing for people who have allergic asthma. However, even average Americans are spending 60% or more of their time indoors and experts are increasingly cautioning everyone to pay attention to indoor air quality (IAQ), as well.
Indoor air can be worse than outdoor air. As a result, “everyone, especially those with allergies and asthma, need to pay close attention to indoor air quality,” advises Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, medical director of Allergy & Asthma Care of New York and assistant clinical professor of Medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. Household triggers like mold that grows in areas with high moisture, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in wood furniture, flooring and traditional paints, or strong chemical odors from some cleaning products are common problems. “Airborne triggers and irritants can be potentially serious problems and any home, school or office can be an obstacle course if you have asthma or allergies,” says Bassett. “But good air quality can be achieved through smart home solutions.”
AAFA encourages people to be aware of indoor air quality all year long regardless of the season and their city.
“A good first step to improving the air quality of your home is as simple as not contaminating it in the first place,” according to Mike Tringale, Vice President at AAFA. “For example, your walls make up the largest surface area in your home so choosing interior paints like the new Valspar+ – which is zero VOC with no lingering odor and mold resistant – means families can now reduce indoor irritants, like VOCs, without compromising on color choices or a premium quality finish.” Valspar+ was recently the first paint certified asthma & allergy friendly by AAFA after independent scientific testing confirmed its zero VOC formulation, durability and quality claims.
In addition to painting with zero-VOC coatings, AAFA offers other simple tips for better indoor air quality:
-- Control dust mites - Wash bed linens at least once weekly, and make sure your washing machine hot water temperature can exceed 130 degrees to kills dust mites and their eggs. Plus, keep dogs and cats off of your beds - pet dander is a primary source of food for dust mites.
-- Healthy housekeeping - Vacuum at least once weekly and make sure you use a quality vacuum with good constant suction, tight seams with no leaks and a HEPA filter. Choose scent-free cleaning products and wear a face mask when dusting to reduce your exposure to airborne particles.
-- Filter it out - Look for portable room air filters for bedrooms and common areas, and make sure to replace your HVAC filter at least four times per year.
AAFA offers a free “Guide for Reducing Allergens and Irritants in the Home” that can also be downloaded from www.AllergyCapitals.com.
About the Fall Allergy Capitals
Since 2004, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has provided a new list of 100 Fall Allergy Capitals, the most challenging places to live with fall allergies. Knoxville was named the #1 Fall Allergy Capital this year due to high pollen counts, high use of allergy medications by patients and too few allergists to treat the burgeoning allergy population. A full report of all 100 cities is available for free on the Foundations’ Web site, www.AllergyCapitals.com.
About AAFA
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world. AAFA provides practical information, community based services and support through a national network of chapters and support groups. AAFA develops health education, organizes state and national advocacy efforts and funds research to find better treatments and cures. The 2011 Fall Allergy Capitals(TM) report was made possible by a generous grant from the Valspar corporation.
About the Valspar Corporation
The Valspar Corporation is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer service in the coatings industry.
SOURCE Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Dr. Bassett Named Top Doctor by U.S News in Partnership with Castle Connolly
Dr. Bassett has been awarded with a position on the National Top Doctor list, which includes those whom Castle Connolly has determined to be in the top 10 percent of the region’s physicians.
This is an honor for Dr. Bassett, especially because it is based on a peer review system. The best of the best; this shows just how much experience Dr. Bassett has.
Click here to see Dr. Bassetts profile.
Hurricanes and Allergies – Dr. Bassett on ABC News
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.
An Epic Allergy Season – Dr. Bassett on ABC News
ABC News’ Andrea Canning files news report including information provided by Dr. Bassett on why this season is being called an epic allergy season.
Hurricane Irene’s Flooding May Bring On Allergy Symptoms
Experts warn that the excessive flooding that followed Irene could cause a surge of mold. For those with allergies, this can mean coughing, sneezing and wheezing galore. Dr. Clifford Bassett says, “People are coming in for mold-related symptoms and pollen allergies. It’s like the perfect storm.”
See the full article on ABC News
5 Ways Hurricane Irene May Trigger and Worsen Your Allergies and Asthma
Hurricane Irene has already brought wind, rain, storm surges and of course flooding to millions on the east coast this weekend. But another possible consequence is that it can stir up your allergies and asthma symptoms.
Stormy weather including tropical storms and hurricanes can worsen allergies and asthma because as increased gusty winds can seriously spread wet mold spores into the air. Additionally, if a homeowner looses power, air conditioning which filters and dehumidifiers warm, humid air can allow outdoor allergens (particularly mold spores) to enter the home and trigger that pesky allergy associated symptoms. In many areas we are already seeing high levels of various pollens including Ragweed, weeds and mold spores.
Of course indoor water damaged areas can be problematic due to mildew and mold growth as a result, especially in basements, ground level areas as well as water damaged walls, ceilings and flooring. With Hurricane Katrina both allergic and non-allergic people needed mold remediation measures as a result of excessive water damage.
In those with chronic or persistent respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema that may be in jeopardy if power outages result in loss of electricity needed for compressor driven home “nebulized” asthma medications. Alternative medications and therapies need be part of an asthma action plan that should be in place for those at risk.
- If you suffer from allergies remember that opening windows may aggravate symptoms as outdoor allergens enter the home.
- If you have pet allergies, be prepared for a spike in allergy symptoms as a result of closer and prolonged exposure in a relatively closed environment.
- Engage the “do not re-circulate” mode for your air conditioner to reduce outdoor allergens from entering your home.
- Change your home air conditioner/furnace filters regularly.
- Mold growth can build up from fallen leaves, branches around your home. You can measure indoor humidity levels by using an inexpensive room “hygrometer”.
- Consider if humidity surge as a result of rain and flooded areas, expect that indoor humidity levels will surge (over 50%). Be aware that the use a room or central dehumidifier can help to prevent mildew growth that can worsen respiratory allergies.
- Have your prescribed and OTC allergy and asthma medications in close proximity and on hand (especially important if you have a power loss).
- Work with your family allergist or asthma specialist (www.allergyandasthmarelief.
org ) to learn the warning signs of uncontrolled asthma and have a plan in place for worsening symptoms, as well as your health care provider’s emergency contact information.
Ten Ways to Protect Your Lungs During a Heat Wave
- Consider indoor activities and exercise on hot, high pollen and humid days
- Watch out for “ozone alert” days, when your lungs need to work even harder
- Keep your prescription asthma rescue inhaler with you at all times
- Know the signs of an asthma attack as well as heat related symptoms
- Lose weight, more than half of ER visits for asthma are seen in obese individuals in some studies
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during hot weather time periods
- Make sure you have an allergist directed asthma action plan in place to prevent “attacks”: www.allergyandasthmarelief.org.
- Remember, heat and humidity can make it more difficult to keep your body cool and comfortable, to avoid your body systems from working harder, increasing your need for oxygen.
- Change your air conditioner filters frequently during peak summer and allergy season.
- Treat your underlying seasonal allergies that will also help fight and prevent asthma, too.
Dr. Bassett Quoted in New York Times: Do allergies reduce the risk of cancer?
Dr. Bassett was quoted in the New York Times by Anahad O’Connor on the subject of allergies reducing the risk of cancer.
Really? The Claim: Allergies Reduce the Risk of Cancer
By ANAHAD O’CONNORTHE FACTS
Allergies are generally considered more of a nuisance than a blessing. But for some people there may be a silver lining.
Researchers have long speculated that one of the benefits of having allergies is a vigilant immune system, which not only overreacts to common triggers, like pollen and dander, but also protects against serious threats like nascent cancer cells. Numerous studies dating back at least two decades have explored the idea of a link. Most have found that compared with the general population, people with common allergies like hay fever, asthma and eczema do have a slightly decreased risk of some cancers, though it is not clear why.
Skin allergies prompt the production of immune system T cells, which can destroy cancer cells. Any protective effect may stem from the immune system going into “overdrive,” said Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, a New York City allergist and fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Do skin allergies reduce your risk for cancer? Dr Bassett on ABC News
Dr Bassett was recently contacted by ABC News correspondent Kim Carollo to comment on a new study that suggests there could be a link between skin allergies and the risk of developing certain cancers.
In research released on Monday, July 11, 2011, Danish researchers followed nearly 17,000 Dutch adults who were tested for skin allergens over a 23-year period. More than 6,000 of them tested positive for an allergy to at least one chemical or metal, and those people were found to be at a lower risk of non-melanoma skin cancers and breast cancers, but at a higher risk for bladder cancer.
But these results don’t mean that people with skin allergies are at a higher or lower risk for cancer. The authors stress the study merely suggests an association between skin allergies and cancer risk, although they believe it does offer more proof of the immunosurveillance hypothesis.
“Theoretically, the authors believe skin allergies put the immune system in overdrive, which is called the immunosurveillance hypothesis” said Dr. Clifford Bassett, assistant clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone School of Medicine. Bassett was not involved in this research. “This means the immune system may be super-responsive, and perhaps there’s some protective function and therefore, the immune system is prehaps more likley to fight off certain things, including cancers.”