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.

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.

Dr. Bassett

Seasonal allergies may cause a variety of symptoms for sufferers such as nasal stuffiness, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes in addition to an increase in mucus causing the familiar “clearing” of the throat in some.  There are also a variety of associated things that I hear from my allergy patients in the office, such as “fatigue” and lack of energy.  In many cases congested nasal and sinus passages may cause poor quality, interrupted sleep as a result of sleep disordered breathing.  So what to do?

Having an examination of your nose and sinuses which reveal the extent of the level of severity is the first step.  In some cases clogged breathing passages may be a result of a deviated septum or chronic infection.  The work up by a specialist for these conditions may include a sinus X-ray (CT scan) to completely visualize the sinuses and identify the problem.  In many cases, saline (salt water) irrigation of the sinuses and nasal steroid sprays can provide a great deal of relief, safely. 

Another tip you have allergy is the timing of your symptoms along with the season and weather. For example, pollen levels are typically higher on dry, sunny and windy days and lower on windless, cloudy and wet days. 

Survival tips

• WASH WISESLY: Shampoo your hair at end of day to remove excess allergy containing pollens that accumulate during the day
• BEAT THE CLOCK: Check local pollen counts at www.aaaai.org/nab to plan outdoor activities and/or “move inside” on high pollen days
• DO NOT RE-CIRCULATE: Keep the A/C on the “do not re-circulate mode” and change filters in the air conditioner frequently during the allergy season
• Changing your clothing outside of the bedroom, washing your glasses and brushing off your shoes, to help to reduce the pollen load in your bedroom
• Vacation by a body of water, such as a lake, river or at the beach, where pollen levels are typically lower

These survival tips actually work!

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.

Dr. Bassett

Allergy season in many areas of the US has had a big impact on all of allergy sufferers, particularly on children.  As children often spend a larger amount of time outdoors during the summertime they may be more so affected by the onslaught of daytime seasonal pollens and mold spores.  

 If one parent has allergies there is at least a 25 to 33 percent chance of the child developing allergies and the risk goes up over 50 to 75 percent if both parents are allergic sufferers.  So family history is a key factor in whether or not your children will develop seasonal allergies, indoor allergies and/or asthma.

 Recent studies have looked at impaired sleep as a result of poor breathing due to congested nasal and sinus passages during the night.  This may have a direct impact on daytime behavior and performance in the classroom.  Fatigue and daytime drowsiness may also be a sign of sleep disturbances that occur due to poorly controlled allergies.

Some suggestions I typically discuss with the parents of children suffering from seasonal allergies are:

  * Change clothes after spending time in the park where pollens are plentiful

  * Washing hair and taking a bath later in the day after being outside on a “high pollen day

  * Pre-treat to prevent daily symptoms during peak seasonal pollen periods

  * Vacation at peak allergy times by a body of water such as a lake, river or by the beach, where pollen levels are typically lower

* Ask your pediatrician or allergist if your child should be on “anti-inflammatory” nasal sprays to reduce congestion from seasonal allergies that may assist in better quality sleep at night

Be proactive and develop a sensible allergy management program for your child to successfully combat seasonal allergy triggers!  Learn more at www.acaai.org and www.aaaai.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 to diagnose or treat any condition.

Summer allergies and oral allergy syndrome

If you are one of the thirty million people suffering from summertime seasonal allergies, it is important to know about pollen-food syndrome, also known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS), caused by allergens such as ragweed pollen. 

Each year, grass pollens and weeds cause seasonal suffering and ragweed begins to bloom around early August in many areas of the U.S.  In the warmer climates weed pollens may be seen during much of the year.

Itchiness of the mouth and throat immediately after eating fresh fruits or vegetables are common symptoms of OAS. Oral allergy syndrome results from a cross-reaction between allergy antibodies directed towards pollens with similar proteins that are found in foods in about one-third of seasonal allergy sufferers.  Individuals with ragweed allergies might experience these symptoms when consuming foods such as:

• Banana
• Cucumber
• Melon
• Zucchini
• Sunflower seeds
• Chamomile tea
• Echinacea

Grass pollen allergic individuals might experience symptoms when ingesting

• fig
• melons
• tomatoes
• oranges

Mugwort (weed pollen) allergic sufferers may suffer after eating:

• carrots
• celery
• coriander
• fennel
• parsley
• peppers

Generally, cooking or microwaving the food will eliminate a reaction, but not always.  Less commonly it is possible for the OAS to induce mouth and throat swelling if you are allergic to various foods. 

For additional information from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at http://www.aaaai.org/media/news_releases/2006/08/080206.stm.

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 to diagnose or treat any condition.

1.      At home or when driving, keep windows closed and set air conditioner on re-circulate to keep out seasonal pollens and mold spores, if you suffer with seasonal allergies

2.      Change or wash air conditioner filters frequently

3.      If you have allergies to pets (i.e. cat) use a central air filtration system in your home and/or portable room HEPA air filter

4.      Use an exhaust fan in your bathroom to reduce mold spore growth and excess humidity

5.      Dehumidifier may be useful in below ground rooms or basements if mildew is an issue

6.      Place disposable filter covers over forced air vents in your home that may provide additional filtration

7.      Avoid open windows in your home during high pollen days (check out the local pollen count at www.aaaai.org/nab)

8.      HEPA vacuums and or pre-filter bags prevent dust from re-entering the room after vacuuming

9.      If you are very sensitive to dust, leave the room for at least 30 minutes after sweeping/cleaning to allow dust particles to settle

10.  Remove unnecessary dust collectors in the bedroom if you have indoor allergies – placing a “stuffed toy or pillow” in a zippered plastic bag in the freezer periodically will help to reduce the amount of dust mites

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 to diagnose or treat any condition.

This summer children and adolescents who suffer from food allergies will be attending day and or sleep away camps throughout the U.S.  Now is the right time to review the best strategies to minimize risk and raise the level of protection for affected children. With 2.2 million school age children with food allergies, many camps are now going “peanut and nut free” due to the increased prevalence of food allergic children. 

The best resource for the parents and kids in my practice with food allergies has been the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Visit www.foodallergy.org for more information. “Going to camp is an event that a child remembers forever. The key to success is clear communication with the camp staff and your child about how to manage food allergy restrictions. With advance planning and preparation, children with food allergies should be able to participate in this unique experience filled with a lifetime of memories,” said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of FAAN.

 Eating outside of the home, especially during the summer vacation and camp season, can be done safely when proper education and preparedness as well as communication takes place on behalf of food allergic kids everywhere.  Many states have recently enacted laws that provide for ready access to injectable epinephrine to children attending recreational camps.

Here is a just a partial list of helpful suggestions:

– Be a  “label detective” and know the product and chemical names of common food allergens

– Carry and send safe snacks to camp and communicate with the camp staff about your child’s food allergies before it begins

– Discourage food sharing

– If your child has peanut and/or nut allergies look for camps that are peanut free

– Have an emergency action plan in place for the adults responsible for supervising your child at camp. Work with an allergist to develop this plan, such as FAAN’s Food Allergy Action Plan available at http://www.foodallergy.org/actionplan.pdf.

– Your child should have a “medic alert bracelet”(800-ID-ALERT)

Again there is no substitute for careful planning, coordination and communication with camp staff when you have a child with food allergies for a safe and enjoyable summer.

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 to diagnose or treat any condition.

Well, how do we avoid the itch and discomfort from insect and mosquito bites? In my household I rarely get bitten however with my wife it’s a different story.  She will get covered with bites pretty quickly.  Now why is that? Some research indicates the “estrogen” content of women’s skin may provide a source of insect attraction.  Some researchers also feel that scented products found in perfume and skin and hair care products that may attract those pesky insects.

So now what do we do? Let’s talk a bit about making your selves less of a target to prevent bites. 

– Use clothing as a barrier to cover your skin and that means long sleeves and pants to aid protection.

– Keep window screens in good working order. 

– Avoid prime biting times such as early in the morning and evening as you are more likely to get bitten during dawn and dusk. 

– Use insect repellents safely, that means really “reading” the label on how and when to apply

– Do not over apply, especially near wounds and cuts

– Wash off with soap and water when you come inside

– Avoid applying repellent to children’s hands (they may put their fingers in the mouth)

– Wear colors that “blend” in with the background, mosquitoes love color contrast

Check out the CDC: Insect Repellent Use and Safety webpage for more detailed information at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.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 to diagnose or treat any condition.

Let’s face it; the best defense is a good offense. In the case of allergies, that means you need to develop an emergency plan for allergic conditions such as stinging insect allergy, food allergic reactions, etc if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction and you’re traveling. 

First, make sure if you have a prescription epinephrine auto-injector with a current expiration date. Also it is important, during the summertime, not to store these devices in a location that is excessively hot (such as a car’s glove box). Next, go over with your doctor when to use this device and practice using a trainer – to become familiar with its use if ever needed in time of an emergency. 

It’s also important if you have a history of asthma (trouble breathing, wheezing, etc) that can be brought on by a variety of triggers to carry an adequate supply of medications with you, including a rapid onset rescue bronchodilator inhaler. 

If you have a food allergy, you will need to be a “label detective” and plan ahead by bringing safe snacks that you know are safe for you to eat.  Be sure to let restaurants and hotel staff know what your specific food allergies are when ordering your meals. We recommend that our patients carry a “chef’s card” that spells out your food allergies in writing and is given to the kitchen staff for the chef to see.  All affected individuals with a known food allergy should have an allergist-directed emergency plan in place, and have your family members (and anyone that you travel with) be familiar with how to recognize an allergic reaction as well as knowing what to do in case of a true food allergic reaction.  This is particularly important when traveling by plane, boat or train where emergency personnel may not be immediately available. Check out www.foodallergy.org for more information to keep you safe during the summer travel season.

Have a safe trip!

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 to diagnose or treat any condition.