Mold counts have reached the "very high" range in the area, increasing symptoms for mold allergy sufferers. Counts over 50,000 parts per million are required to reach this range. At this level almost all individuals with any sensitivity to molds will experience symptoms. Those who are extremely sensitive could have severe symptoms. People with mold allergy and asthma may experience an increase in asthma as well.
Molds are a form of living plant life, which are widely distributed. Hundreds of varieties are known and many of these are of great importance in allergy. In temperate climates, molds are the most abundant natural particles in outdoor air. Relative humidity over 40%, which we have had in the area the past several days enhances mold growth. Higher humidity remains in the forecast for this week.
Follow this link for more information on mold allergy and avoidance. http://www.certifiedallergy.com/pdf/moldallergy.pdf
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Ozone Alerts Mean Trouble
Fourth of July weekend kicked off a spell of very hot, humid weather here in the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts in many areas. Poor air quality can be a problem for anyone with asthma.
During the summer months, certain weather conditions can combine with pollution emissions to form high levels of ozone close to the earth’s surface. High temperatures, light wind, no rain and wind direction can combine to cause ozone levels in excess of federal safety standards. Ozone causes constriction of the airways, resulting in increased coughing, sore throat, wheezing and uncomfortable breathing. It can also increase a person’s sensitivity to allergens.
Weather experts forecast air pollution levels each day, reporting the Air Quality Index (AQI) along with the weather. The AQI tells us how clean or polluted the ground level air is and how the levels could affect our health. AQI is divided into six color coded categories, ranging from good to hazardous. In New York, “orange alert” is the first level of poor air quality which can cause increased asthma symptoms. Orange alert is declared when the AQI is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including young children, older adults, and people with asthma.
You can reduce your exposure to ozone and help keep your asthma under control by knowing the weather and air quality forecast each day. If an “alert” day is predicted, plan vigorous activities for the morning or for indoors. Take it easy if you must be outside. If your asthma acts up, slow down and change activities. Have your bronchodilator inhaler handy for quick relief if symptoms occur.
During the summer months, certain weather conditions can combine with pollution emissions to form high levels of ozone close to the earth’s surface. High temperatures, light wind, no rain and wind direction can combine to cause ozone levels in excess of federal safety standards. Ozone causes constriction of the airways, resulting in increased coughing, sore throat, wheezing and uncomfortable breathing. It can also increase a person’s sensitivity to allergens.
Weather experts forecast air pollution levels each day, reporting the Air Quality Index (AQI) along with the weather. The AQI tells us how clean or polluted the ground level air is and how the levels could affect our health. AQI is divided into six color coded categories, ranging from good to hazardous. In New York, “orange alert” is the first level of poor air quality which can cause increased asthma symptoms. Orange alert is declared when the AQI is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including young children, older adults, and people with asthma.
You can reduce your exposure to ozone and help keep your asthma under control by knowing the weather and air quality forecast each day. If an “alert” day is predicted, plan vigorous activities for the morning or for indoors. Take it easy if you must be outside. If your asthma acts up, slow down and change activities. Have your bronchodilator inhaler handy for quick relief if symptoms occur.
Friday, May 7, 2010
It's Grass Pollen Season
Grass pollen emerged this week, about 2 weeks ahead of schedule for a typical grass season. Combining with tree pollen, especially the recent high levels of oak, the addition of grass pollen will plague seasonal allergy sufferers throughout the Capital Region.
Visit our web site each week day for the current pollen report.
Visit our web site each week day for the current pollen report.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tree Pollen Continues to Aggrevate
An exceptionally strong tree pollen season continues to aggrevate allergy sufferers in the Capital Region. The last 3 days have seen pollen counts at extremely high levels dominated by oak and mulberry. Recent abnormally warm weather may be the cause. Tree pollen allergy causes "cold like" symptoms including sneezing, runny nose and scratchy throat. Eye symptoms including watering, redness and itching. See our previous blog for allergy avoidance tips.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tree Pollen Bursts in the Capital Region
Above average temperatures brought a burst of tree pollen to the Capitol Region this past weekend. Maple, elm, poplar and juniper contributed to "High" pollen counts all weekend. When pollen reaches the "High" level, most individuals with any sensitivity will experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny and/or itchy nose, and itchy and/or watery eyes. Asthma patients whose symptoms are triggered by tree pollen allergy may also experience asthma symtpoms.
Here are a few pollen avoidance tips:
Monitor pollen counts on our website; dry windy days will have the highest pollen counts; humid or rainy days the lowest.
Keep windows and doors closed; use an air conditioner
Avoid spending time outdoors when pollen counts are the highest: in the morning after the dew evaporates, and early evening when airborne pollen returns to ground level.
Wear a mask if doing yard work
After doing yard work, shower and change clothes; keep outdoor work clothes out of your bedroom.
After returning indoors, irrigate the nasal passages with saline
Wipe down or bathe your pet after it comes in from being outdoors
Keep car windows closed; use air conditioner
Do not hang clothes outdoors on the line to dry
Here are a few pollen avoidance tips:
Monitor pollen counts on our website; dry windy days will have the highest pollen counts; humid or rainy days the lowest.
Keep windows and doors closed; use an air conditioner
Avoid spending time outdoors when pollen counts are the highest: in the morning after the dew evaporates, and early evening when airborne pollen returns to ground level.
Wear a mask if doing yard work
After doing yard work, shower and change clothes; keep outdoor work clothes out of your bedroom.
After returning indoors, irrigate the nasal passages with saline
Wipe down or bathe your pet after it comes in from being outdoors
Keep car windows closed; use air conditioner
Do not hang clothes outdoors on the line to dry
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tree Pollen Arrives in the Capital Region
Tree pollen has arrived in the area with maple and elm pollen appearing this past weekend at low levels. Some molds have also been detected the past few days. With the forcast for warm weather this week, expect to see tree pollen on a continuing basis. Check our web site Monday through Friday for area pollen activity.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Long Acting Beta Agonist ('LABA") Advisory
On Feb. 17, the FDA issued a statement that asthma medications containing a long acting beta agonist (“LABA”), will have new safety warnings added to their package insert. These medications include Advair, Symbicort, Foradil and Serevent.
The physicians of Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants are very familiar with the data that the FDA used to require the new safety warning. We will continue to monitor scientific reports about these medications as they are released. It is our opinion at the present time that LABAs are safe and effective if they are used along with an inhaled steroid. Advair and Symbicort contain both the LABA and the inhaled steroid in one device. They are known as combination medications. Serevent and Foradil do not contain an inhaled steroid, so an inhaled steroid must be provided by separate prescription.
We urge patients to continue with their medications as prescribed by their doctor to control their asthma. Before stopping any asthma medication, please talk with your doctor. Discontinuing medications without the advice of a physician can result in increased asthma symptoms and possibly an asthma attack.
The physicians of Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants are very familiar with the data that the FDA used to require the new safety warning. We will continue to monitor scientific reports about these medications as they are released. It is our opinion at the present time that LABAs are safe and effective if they are used along with an inhaled steroid. Advair and Symbicort contain both the LABA and the inhaled steroid in one device. They are known as combination medications. Serevent and Foradil do not contain an inhaled steroid, so an inhaled steroid must be provided by separate prescription.
We urge patients to continue with their medications as prescribed by their doctor to control their asthma. Before stopping any asthma medication, please talk with your doctor. Discontinuing medications without the advice of a physician can result in increased asthma symptoms and possibly an asthma attack.
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