Can anyone tell me the best area of the US to live if you suffer from ragweed/hayfever allergies? Where it is least prevelant? – Kate, US
Allergies in August – blend of summer and fall
August brings with it the beginning of fall allergy season. Summer grass and tree pollen blend with the start of Ragweed season around mid August, providing a double dose of allergy symptoms for many.
Melon season is in it’s prime as August approaches. Eating cantaloupe and watermelon can trigger reactions in those allergic to Ragweed. Other foods that have been reported to be cross-reactive with Ragweed include honeydew, chamomile, honey, banana, sunflower seeds, zucchini squash, and cucumber. Add to these potato, melon, tomato, watermelon, orange, cherry, peanut, and kiwi, all of which are cross-reactive with lingering summer grasses, and you have a recipe for August Allergy Mix.
Mold counts rise with humidity of summer as well as the rotting foliage of fall. Seasonal changes usually bring showers, and mold spores propagate readily in the moist atmosphere.
Various trees pollinate at different times year round. In southern states, the Fall Elm, or Cedar Elm, begins dusting the air with pollen in August. This tree is also dubbed Texas Elm because it is so dominant in Texas during the fall allergy season. I am vacationing in Ft. Worth, TX, today, and a local group, Allergy Testing and Treatment Center, reports the following pollen counts:
Fungus [Mold] high at 2046 grains per cubic meter
Ragweed moderate at 46 grains per cubic meter
Elm high at 232 grains per cubic meter
Ragweed is common almost world-wide, but many in other parts of the world are experiencing different allergens in August than those we discussed here. Feel free to share the predominant August allergens in your area in the comments.
Allergies and Gulf of Mexico oil spill
What effect does exposure to vapors and other oil spill-related hazards in the Gulf of Mexico have on those with asthma and other respiratory allergies? I’ve collected some of the current responses to these issues, but we want to hear from you. If you live or work in the gulf, or feel your allergies or health have been affected by the oil spill, please tell us in the comments
Long-term effects of the BP spill are not yet known, but we do know that, while fumes and irritants are not allergens, they can trigger an allergic rhinitis and asthma reactions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting health hazard evaluations and surveillance to track symptoms indluding worsening of asthma, cough, chest pain, eye irritation, nausea, and headache.
NIOSH has listed the following potential hazards in its Deepwater Horizon gulf oil spill guidance for workers: benzene, chemical dispersants and other chemical hazards, fatigue, fuel oil, heat stress, hurricanes, mosquitoes, poisonous plants, respiratory protection, snakes, stinging insects, stress, and sun exposure.
ABC news reports that over a million gallons of chemical dispersants have been used in the cleanup. Long-term affects of these dispersants on health are not yet known. In addition to the obvious dangers of chemical irritants and pollutants, other allergens discussed below threaten outdoor workers.
Poisonous plants such as poison ivy, oak, and sumac not only cause severe allergic reactions in many by direct contact, but inhaling smoke from burning brush piles containing these plants can cause severe allergic respiratory reactions. Urushiol from these plants can remain active on the surface of tools and other objects for up to 5 years.
Bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants pose an additional threat to workers involved in the cleanup. Their stings can result in severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical care and may cause death.
Allergy to the sun can be a threat for outdoor workers, in addition to the more common threats of sunburn and skin cancers. Mayo Clinic describes four types of sun allergy: polymorphic light eruption, actinic prurigo, chronic actinic dermatitis, and solar urticaria.
References
Chemical Dispersants (ABC News)
Oil spill related health issues (Skin and Allergy News)
Respiratory effects (Fox News)
Health Surveillance Oil Spill (Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico Response (NIOSH)
Hazard Information (NIOSH)
Beach-dweller from VA: cough, itchy throat, ears, eyes in TX
I was in the military and originally from VA. I lived by the beach there while being stationed in the military and even after I got out of the military. I had an occassional sinus infection. Since moving to TX my son and I both get swollen eyes, coughing, itchy throats and ears and eyes. Where can we move so that my son and I can go back outside and not have to worry about our eyes swelling or me waking up with a stuffy nose, head pounding and my eyes won’t be black underneath and I can have energy again to play with my other children. – Kristy, TX
Sizzling hot summer: How does it affect your allergies?
On July 7, record-breaking, triple-digit temperatures flourished across the Northeastern states. According to The Vancouver Sun, British Columbia experienced record-high, sizzling heat as well.
The heat wave started in the spring, with reports such as the Richmond-Times Dispatch in its April 8 post that “High temperatures trigger high pollen counts.”
Here in the South-central area, triple-digit heat is not uncommon, though in many areas we seem to be experiencing more of a rainy season than usual this year. Higher temps are much harder to tolerate here, with the high humidity of this area, than a similar temperature in a more dry area such as the Southwestern states.
How does temperature affect allergies in your area?
The season of fireworks: How does July 4 celebration affect your allergies?
Across the United States, people remember Independence Day on July 4. Fireworks displays begin to dot our land as soon as darkness lends its backdrop. How does the smoke from these displays affect people with allergies?
According to WebMD, “When a person with asthma or COPD inhales smoke and fumes from any of these products of combustion, their airways will become more inflamed for at least 24 hours after the exposure is over.”
The source of smoke responsible for the allergic response is not limited to July 4 or New Years celebrations. It can be any type of smoke, such as automobile exhaust, a brush fire, or cigarette smokers in your home. Smoke is not an allergen, though. Smoke is an irritant, but the irritation it causes can trigger an allergic response in people with asthma. Smoke can also trigger eye and nasal allergic reactions.
Smoke is not the only culprit. Often these fireworks extravaganzas include a trek through a grassy area, or even watching the entire show from a lawn chair on a grassy hillside. Those with allergy to grass will do best to celebrate away from grassy areas. Stinging insects may inhabit grassy areas as well, and people allergic to their venom should be wary. Mosquito saliva causes severe localized allergic responses and a reaction called “Skeeter’s syndrome” in some people. Mosquitoes also carry infection.
Those with food allergies should be especially careful, since it may not be apparent what foods are in the dish that smells so tempting. Remember, smoke from the grill or hidden spices in the barbecue can trigger allergies too!
Does climate make a difference in the summer fireworks season for you? For example, is the allergic response to smoke less severe in windy or calm climates? Or does it just depend on which way the wind is blowing? Are stinging insects and mosquitoes more prevalent in humid climates? What triggers are you more likely to find in areas where the air is dry? What else factors into the equation of allergy and fireworks for you, as it relates to climate and season?
Share your experiences and responses in the comments.
References
Smoke gets in my eyes and lungs, WebMD
Smoking and Asthma, WebMD
Sinus headaches in DC, improved in San Francisco and San Jose
I live in the DC area and suffer from allergies and sinus headaches. I wake up every morning with my face and head in pain…and ofcourse exhaustion from constantly being in pain. I recently visted California (San Fran and San Jose) for a week and my sinus pain disappeared the day I arrived. It was amazing! I couldn’t remember the last time I went for seven day straight without sinus pain. Yesterday I landed back in DC and woke up with severe sinus pain. — Sinus Sufferer, Washington DC
Allergies in Pittsburgh PA: Should I move to the ocean, southern FL?
I live in Pittsburgh, PA and have severe nasal allergies. I have nasal pressure but never any drainage. I experience constant headaches and cannot take it anymore. I am very allergic to grass, ragweed mix , Perennial Rye, Meadow Fescue, and dust mites.
When the weather changes (rain) or barometric pressure drops, it causes my sinuses horrendous pain.
I am thinking of relocating somewhere near the ocean (southern FL?) I hear that the ocean is good for keeping the nose lubricated and is good for knocking down the pollen.
Where in Florida would be a good place to move?
Thanks in advance for any help! – Jan, Florida
Best climate for mold-Port Angeles, WA, OR, or 5000 elevation AZ?
Where is the best climate for an asthma person who’s allergy is mold? is the northwest areas like Port Angeles WA good? or like on the ocean area in WA of OR? how does elevation effect asthma like in 5000 elevation in AZ? — Evadean, U.S.
Pine Pollen in Stevens Point Wisconsin: Where to move?
I live in the center of Wisconsin, The City of Stevens Point. The Pine Trees are trying to kill us. Pine Pollen has been exceptional this year. The yellow green dust is on everything and everywhere. It has been going on for two months. I have asthma and it has been worse this year than any. I am looking for a state to move to where I can breath and actually get oxygen. I am retired and my husband will be retiring in fours years. We are ready for a move. – ‘Barely alive’ in Wisconsin
