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.

What are those dark circles beneath my eyes?

More than half of my female patients have darkened areas beneath their eyelids, otherwise known as “allergic shiners”.  Almost an equal number use eye concealers and foundation make-up for the big “cover up”.  “How did I get these?” Good question, in many cases this unsightly physical finding is directly related to allergies and to your inflamed sinuses. 

The best way to prevent this is to choose your parents wisely! No joke, allergies are generally inherited from our parents and when they affect us we need to act and get proper treatment, which in many cases will improve the “shiners”.  Allergy injections, medications and sinus care may provide relief allowing your dark circles to lessen. 

Another strategy that helps is to place a cool compress at the end of a long work day over your eyes, too.  Also, gently irrigating your eyelids once a day with tear-free shampoo can assist in removing airborne pollutants and those pesky seasonal allergens thus lessening your “allergic shiners.”

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.

Women who suffer stress during their pregnancies are more likely to give birth to children who will suffer from asthma and allergies, according to new research.

Stressed moms-to-be may pass that stress on to their babies in the form of a “social pollutant,” according researchers from Harvard Medical School who presented their findings Sunday at the American Thoracic Society’s 2008 International Conference in Toronto.