#allergyandasthma

[mcgovernallergy-blog]

Does Hurricane Season Affect Allergies & Asthma?

Hurricane season is upon us and with it comes an increase in outdoor allergens that can be found in the air. Allergy and Asthma triggers can result from these factors as well as additional wind, rain, and plant growth. The season officially started on June 1st and will continue until November 30th, but there are ways to find relief from the top factors that cause allergy and asthma reactions during this time.

Here are the top three factors that worsen allergies and asthma during Hurricane season.

Factor #1: The Gusty Wind

During hurricane season, the wind stirs up various outdoor allergens including wet mold spores. The damp environments resulting from the heavy rains can also cause an increase in mold count. During this time, people with mold allergies can have severe reactions that can lead to chronic lung illnesses and lung infections from these types of airborne allergens. 

Factor #2: Homeowner Power Loss

Storms can cause power outages in homes and when the power is out reactions are typically concentrated on air conditioning units, especially in the Summer months. Not only do these units keep the home cool, but they also assist in keeping humidity low. When the units are running, they help to filter and dehumidify the warm, humid air which prevents mold from growing easier and the proliferation of dust mites.

Factor #3: The After Effects of a Hurricane

When moisture is brought into an already high-humidity environment the excess water will cause plants to bloom causing allergies to worsen for those who react to shrub particles. The unsafe weather can also put a pause on services such as mowing and general yard maintenance, which will leave plants and weeds to continue growing and release allergens. 

How can Allergy and Asthma reactions be prevented during Hurricane Season? 

#1: Create an Asthma Action Plan, if you do not have one already!

Asthma Action plans are important to have in writing. This is a plan that should provide information and instructions on how to manage your asthma. It should include the medicines to take, the symptoms that appear when your asthma is getting worse and what steps to take in an emergency. If you need some assistance creating an Asthma Action Plan, visit your allergist or the board certified allergists at McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic to help develop your plan for emergencies.

#2: Be Ready to be without Power or Evacuate if Necessary 

Prepare a go bag filled with the necessities to help with asthma or allergy relief. Make sure to include enough medicine to last several days, your doctor’s contact information, copies of your Asthma Action Plan, a portable battery-powered nebulizer (if you use one), a mask to wear for protection from mold and airborne allergens, and your insurance cards. 

#3: Be Prepared with Cleanup Items Before the Storm Hits

After a hurricane or a major storm every item to help with cleanup is often sold out, so to help prepare yourself make sure to purchase and pack gloves and masks with your medicine. This will help in ensuring that you are ready to take action as soon as the storm is over. This can be critical if your home has flooded or has water damage from the hurricane.

#4: Thunderstorm Asthma During Hurricanes

Thunderstorms can cause asthma triggers for those with allergic asthma. The wind picks up pollen grains that have been broken up during the storm and spreads them around. The tiny particles made smaller from the storm can be inhaled into the lungs which can result in Thunderstorm Asthma. Be sure to follow your Asthma Action Plan and the outlined steps should an Asthma attack occur.

Contact Us

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms and are looking for relief, contact the experienced team at McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic today. Visit https://www.mcgovernallergy.com or call 713-661-1444 to book an appointment today. 

[aladin89-blog]

Allergy and Asthma care

Read more about; https://www.behealthyfacts.com/allergy-and-asthma-care-explore-about-the-disease-and-how-to-control-it/

[allergyarizona]

Food Allergy in Children

On the rise at your local allergy and asthma clinic: food allergies in children, to the tune of an increase around 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. That’s one in every 13 children, over 38 percent of which have a history of severe allergic reactions. Is your child effected by this potentially deadly issue?  

Food allergy suspects: Repeat offenders The most common food allergens seen in an allergy and asthma clinic are allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. These eight foods account for 90 percent of all reactions. Even trace amounts can cause an allergic response. With over 30 percent of children with food allergies having sensitivities to multiple items, that’s a huge possibility of allergic reaction.

Keep kids safe - learn the signs of food allergies! Within minutes to up to two hours after eating, food allergy reactions may be mild to severe, including…

Hives or itchy skin rashes.

Swelling of the lips and face.

Swollen, itchy, watery eyes.

Swelling of the mouth or throat.

Runny nose.

Repetitive cough.

Wheezing or difficulty breathing.

Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Handling a severe food allergy reaction in your child Every 3 minutes, someone is seen in an emergency room for a food allergy. To keep your child from becoming a statistic, it pays to be proactive.

Identify food allergies with the help of your local allergy and asthma clinic.

Consider medical identification jewelry.

Don’t take chances with problem foods. Reactions can worsen, and allergy medications are not foolproof.

When eating away from home, always read labels and ask questions to ensure food safety.

If you are at risk of severe food allergy reactions or anaphylaxis, keep doses of epinephrine (adrenaline) on you at all times for administration via auto-injector.

Make sure prescriptions are up-to-date.

Ensure your child, family members, and those who see your child on a regular basis (teachers, coaches, etc.) are aware of your child’s food allergy, as well as how and when to administer emergency medication.

If your child experiences a severe allergic response, don’t wait, treat symptoms immediately!

ALWAYS call 9-1-1 immediately following an anaphylactic reaction, even if medication appears to have resolved symptoms.

Food allergies don’t have to take over your life. Avoid anaphylaxis and effectively manage food allergies with the help of your local allergy and asthma clinic today!

“Facts and Statistics.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/facts-and-stats. “Allergy Statistics.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/allergy-statistics.aspx “Food Allergy Training Guide for Hospital and Food Service Staff.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/document.doc?id=149 “About Anaphylaxis.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/anaphylaxis “FAACT Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team Brochure.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergyawareness.org/media/faactbrochure/FAACT%20Brochure.pdf