So what is in the air? Look out for seasonal tree pollens now wherever you are and learn more about these allergy culprits that are likely to be not only in your backyard — but also in your nose and eyes!  

Plant pollens such as trees, grasses and weeds are not the only allergens that affect the us while working in the garden. Many mold spores also affect people in the outdoors, seasonally, or even year round.

If there is an existing pollen problem in your landscape, replace that plant with a less allergenic selection.  A system that may help you do this and indicates the likelihood of a plant’s potential to cause allergy is the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale.

A pollen-producing tree in your own yard will expose you to up to ten times the amount of pollen as would the same tree planted just down the block from your home! 

Here are some more allergy sufferer’s tips for you and your yard:

• Wear a pollen mask while gardening
• Keep grass cut short
• Avoid touching your eyes and nose while gardening
• Plan outdoor time for rainy, wet, cloudy and windless days — which usually have lower pollen counts
• After yard work, leave your clothing outside of your bedroom, brush off your shoes and rinse your glasses. Also, wear gloves to minimize local contact and reduce irritation to the skin of your hands and arms
• Limit your gardening to short intervals on “high” pollen days
• If you are allergic to mold spores, avoid damp places and stagnant water
• Proximity and location of pollen-producing trees, shrubs and plants will affect your exposure to seasonal allergens
• Planting female trees in one’s own yard may trap incoming airborne pollen from male plants

Other resources are www.aaaaai.org and www.allergyandasthmarelief.org

Happy planting!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

The first step is to reduce outdoor seasonal “triggers” by identifying the plants and flowers that will cause you discomfort. Get tested to choose the “right” plants, shrubs and flowers that are better for you. By knowing your allergies you can also plan ahead and modify your gardening schedule. This involves having the knowledge regarding peak periods throughout the day to the culprit allergens as well as staying tuned to learn the pollen count in your town or city.

Pollen counts from the previous day are available for main cities via the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) as well as in local newspapers and with the daily weather reports on radio and TV. The Web site for the National Allergy Bureau is www.aaaai.org/nab.

You may need to adjust your planting and/or gardening activities as seasonal symptoms such as itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat, sneezing may be worse on windy, dry, sunny and clear days may be associated with greater airborne pollens as wet, cloudy and windless days can see a reduction in outdoor plant pollens.

Colorful flowers:
Plants with bright, showy flowers are better for people who have allergies. Their pollen is large and because they are pollinated by insects, the pollen is seldom airborne. Plants that cause allergies usually have flowers that are small and insignificant looking and have no color for attracting nectar.

The following trees, shrubs, and plants have been found to be BETTER for people with allergies:

If you are considering adding trees to your landscape, you should AVOID planting the following:

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

With allergy season just around the corner, let’s take a minute to review some early tips to help you survive allergy misery.  Many sufferers have allergy symptoms that affect your eyes and eyelids and can be quite troublesome. Allergy medications may often work better if you start them just before the season begins. 

Right now, we are seeing early tree pollens such as juniper, cedar, elm, alder and maple in many regions of the country.  The late winter pollens cause “early” spring suffering even before the trees grow leaves! 

Here are a few practical tips:

• LIDS OFF: Gently irrigate your eyelids (while your eyes are closed) with a mild, tear-free “baby” shampoo to remove excess allergens and pollutants which may have accumulated.  Check with your provider (especially if you wear contact lenses or have other eye problems) to learn whether anti-allergy eye and/or moisturizing drops may also be helpful and safe.

• BLOCK YOUR EYES: Wear sunglasses to block pollens from entering and getting into your eyes.

• WASH WISELY:  Rinse off your eyeglasses and shower and shampoo your hair every night to remove allergy causing pollens that collect during the day.

Stay tuned for more late-breaking successful seasonal allergy survival tips to come …

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Researchers from Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge, England reported in this month’s edition of the journal, Allergy, that by studying a small group of peanut-allergic children, they have found a possible way of reducing the risks associated with accidental peanut ingestion.

The study authors pointed out that an allergy to peanuts may affect the entire family, particularly when a child has a food allergy.  Families affected by food allergies have a great deal of pressure put upon them, as well as anxieties associated with this condition.

How to cope with food allergies:

Eating out of the home requires planning and education to avoid an allergic reaction.  I often tell my patients to be a “label detective” and understand food labels ― or when dining out, present a “food ingredient card” to the server or kitchen staff to alert them, in order to reduce unwanted exposure to peanuts and other food allergens.  Don’t forget to always ask questions about ingredients and food preparation if you have a history of food allergies.

Bottom line: the only 100 percent successful treatment for food allergies in 2010, is education, prevention and avoidance, as well as preparedness for possible allergic reactions. There is a great need for more research as it is too soon to know whether this approach will ultimately work for the many millions with allergies to peanuts and nuts! 

Check out some additional strategies as well as one of the upcoming food allergy conferences taking place this year hosted by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network at:  http://www.foodallergy.org/conferences.html. 

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Many of us don’t realize that we spend about one-third of each day at home (except less for workaholics) and during this time we are exposed to potential indoor allergens. 

The most common causes of indoor or year-round allergies include house dust, dust mites, pet dander, feather bedding, mold spores and cockroach allergens. During the wintertime, indoor air is rather dry and we may feel it with parched, chapped lips and dry skin.  Many people prefer to use an indoor humidifier to moisturize the air for greater comfort as well as to soothe dry nasal and sinus passages.

The number one indoor allergen for most people with allergies is the “house dust mite” (a potent indoor allergen within dust).  These spider-like critters (fortunately you cannot see them without a microscope) love to inhabit warm, cozy places like pillows, mattresses, box springs and duvet covers in the bedroom.  You may have as many as two million dust mites in your bedding!  So what do they need to survive? Moisture! As we moisturize the indoor air with a humidifier, we are actually mobilizing them for a real party as they absorb water from the nearby environment.

If you happen to use a humidifier, it is essential to monitor the level of indoor humidity with a hygrometer (costs about $10-15).  You want to avoid over doing it and keep the level of humidity indoors below 50 percent (shoot for range of 30-50percent).  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning a humidifier and refill with fresh water daily.

Get some more expert advice from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/1107/  and http://www.aaaai.org/winterallergy/2006/. 

Check out the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s website at: http://www.acaai.org/public/indoor/indoor.htm.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Our soon-to-be First Family faces a personal struggle that millions of other American families face every day: Their daughter suffers from allergies.

An estimated 10-15 percent of people with allergies in the U.S. are allergic to dogs or cats. And about two million people who have cat allergies apparently live with at least one cat in their households. For many pet allergy sufferers, the importance of keeping their pet outweighs the difficulties present due to their allergies. 

The major pet allergens are produced in glands in the skin and can easily get into the animal’s fur, hair and saliva as well.  These chemicals can cause an allergic reaction if an individual is allergen-sensitive.  There are a variety of allergy symptoms including itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat, as well cough, asthma and hives.

If you have pet allergies, consider the following proven survival tips:

• Create an “allergy free” bedroom (where we spend about one third of each day).
• Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom.
• Purchase allergen mattress and pillow covers which may help to prevent pet hair brought into the bedroom from getting into the bedding.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and/or a double-bag filter to better catch pet allergens.
• Some studies indicate weekly bathing of a pet may substantially reduce the level of pet allergens in the fur (speak with your vet about any specific suggestions on best ways to do this).
• Learn which prescription or OTC allergy medications are helpful if you have pet-allergic symptoms.
• Allergy injections for pet allergies can be helpful in reducing symptoms if avoidance measures are not successful.
• One study found that it’s easier to transfer pet allergens form person-to-person when wearing wool rather than cotton.
• Washable wall covering, wood and linoleum flooring is easier to clean and remove adherent pet allergens than other surfaces. 
• Ask a non-allergic friend or family member when animal grooming is required.  It is best to do this on non-carpeted flooring. 
• Avoid the area around the cat’s litter box if you suffer with cat allergies.
• Wash your hands after handling a pet to keep from transferring the allergens to your eyes and nose.

LIVE SMART WITH YOUR PETS!  

Check out more tips about pet allergies from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at their consumer friendly website at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/just4kids/pet_allergies.asp

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

It’s time for the old end-of-year office party or family holiday dinner.  During the holiday season the likelihood that you will ingest high-risk foods that may cause allergic reactions is at an all-time high.  So if you are one of the estimated 11 million people affected by food allergies, focus on being a label detective in order to avoid these potentially hazardous ordeals. 

Sharing meals during the holidays is one of the highlights of the season for many families. The most common food allergens in the U.S. are cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts.  Unfortunately, food allergies make up over tens of thousands of emergency room visits annually. Peanut allergy is associated with potentially fatal allergic reactions and often, allergic individuals will not outgrow it.

When invited as a guest to the home of a friend or family member during the holidays, it’s important to explain what your food issues and concerns may be. By doing this, you can hopefully avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

Watch our for these holiday culprits:

• Eggnog (the word albumin on a label indicates the presence of eggs)

• Fruitcakes (may contain nuts)

• Glazed rolls and bread or other bakery items (containing egg)

• Mixed nuts

• Chocolate, candies and other confectionery items (many contain nuts, milk)

• Dips, fondues and salsas (may contain diary cream and egg)

• Quiches (often contain egg)

• Fried foods – if you are seafood-allergic (as the same oil used in the fried fish may also be used in the preparation of other fried foods such as French fries)

• At least some alcoholic beverages (if you are grain or wheat sensitive)

• Soybean oil salad dressings – (if soy sensitive)

• Caesar or Greek salad (may contain anchovies)

• Marzipan (a paste made of ground almonds, egg and/or milk)

• Worcestershire sauce (may contain fish)

• Yams, sweet potato pie (may contain egg, pecans, walnuts or dairy)

• Pumpkin pie (may contain peanut/nuts, nutmeg)

• Gingerbread cookies (may contain egg, milk, soy, corn and wheat)

• Potato pancakes served for a Chanukah celebration (may contain egg)

Here are some strategies for the holidays:

• Use caution if you eat Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Mexican cuisine as many foods may contain nuts. 

• Keep a “restaurant food allergen ingredient card” with you to make the kitchen staff aware of your food allergy when dining out.  Ask for a list of ingredients before ordering.    

• Be a label detective! Learn to read food labels as many ingredients can be misleading or confusing.  Check out the recommendations on “How to Read a Label” at www.foodallergy.org.

• When visiting with friends and family, let your host know if you need to avoid certain foods so they can prepare alternate choices. 

• Bring safe, homemade, allergy-free dishes when invited to someone’s house.

• Keep a spot in the food preparation area of the kitchen free of food allergens.

• Be sure and know the earliest signs of an allergic reaction and how to give the emergency medication(s) prescribed by your allergist/physician.

• Develop an emergency plan that includes ample medication, including epinephrine auto-injectors (be prepared for prolonged reactions).

• Plan ahead if you need to travel during the holidays and have safe snacks and foods with you, especially if you have a food-allergic child.

• Stay with “simple dishes” that avoid hidden ingredients.

• Avoid salad bars where containers can have traces of allergens and cross contamination is common.

• Use caution when ordering deli meats where the same equipment may be used to slice meat and milk-based cheeses.

Having an allergy to a food does not mean you cannot enjoy the many and varied holiday foods this time of the year.  Many alternate foods can be substituted and still ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season!  For more tips on avoiding food allergens during the holidays, vitit www.aaaai.org or www.acaai.org.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

The Yule log is burning in the fireplace and various holiday ornaments are back in use for the holiday season. This is a particularly tricky time for those affected by indoor allergies, sinus problems, asthma and other respiratory disorders. Each year my staff and I take the extra time to educate our allergy sufferers and better prepare them for the onslaught of holiday and winter-time allergies. 

First, do you notice that when the family Christmas tree, complete with holiday ornaments makes its appearance in your home, your nasal, eye, sinus and various respiratory symptoms begin to worsen?  Live Christmas trees can trigger mold allergies and the spores that thrive on their branches can trigger weeks of suffering. 

Many people consider pine tree pollen to be the primary cause of their allergy symptoms during the holidays. But, while it’s possible to have an allergy to pine tree pollen, you’re much less likely to have symptoms during the Christmas season because pine trees mostly pollinate in the spring.

Christmas trees are a source for mold spores which attach to the branches and needles. Because these trees may be cut up to two months before they arrive in your home, and are kept alive by daily watering, which over time, can lead to mold growth. 

Typically, spore counts in your house climb when evergreen trees are brought indoors. Connecticut allergist Philip Hemmers, who recently studied this holiday phenomenon, found that indoor mold counts in a home with a Christmas tree increased to five times the normal level within two weeks of bringing the tree indoors. So if you are allergic to mold, try running an air cleaner in the same room as the tree and shorten the length of time you have the tree in the house to limit mold exposure. And for those who are sensitive to odors, avoiding live Christmas trees may be a wise decision because the aroma could irritate their eyes and nose.

Terpene, which is found in the oil and sap of many evergreen trees and wreaths, is also a potential allergy culprit. Terpene can cause skin rashes when it comes in contact with the skin of allergic individuals. 

So, how can you reduce the risks of Christmas tree allergies interfering with your holidays? Here are some tips that may help:

• When handling a live tree, be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, to prevent sap and resins from irritating the skin. 
• The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology  suggests that you allow your tree to dry out on an enclosed porch or garage before bringing it indoors, while keeping the trunk in a bucket of water so it doesn’t die.
• You also may want to explore whether your tree retailer provides a shaking machine, which will physically remove some allergens from the tree.  
• Be sure to clean ornaments and lights before decorating your tree to rid them of dust and mold. 

Artificial trees remain an option for people with mold allergies, but even artificial trees can aggravate allergies. They tend to collect dust and mold since they’re in storage for most of the year. If you have an artificial tree, store it in a cool, dry place, and wipe it down or wash it before putting it up.

The risks associated with a real or artificial tree can be reduced significantly by following simple precautions:

• Use a cloth to wipe clean your artificial tree.
• Decorations stored for the past year in a damp basement may harbor molds or dust mites. Whenever possible, keep ornaments and decorations stored in dry areas, off the floor in plastic bags. It is also a good idea to wash your hands after unpacking them.
• The ever popular holiday plant, the poinsettia, belongs to the same plant family as the Brazilian rubber tree from which latex is obtained. Direct contact with a broken poinsettia leaf can trigger a rash or allergy symptoms if you are sensitive to latex rubber.  
• Candles and incense can trigger allergies, but by using soy and beeswax candles you can reduce your risk of suffering respiratory symptoms.