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Seasons

What is in bloom from Nov.-Feb. in Port Charlotte, FL?

Dec 30th, 2011
by AllergyNurse.
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Hey everyone, I should explain that I am a landscaper by trade, so avoiding the outdoors is impossible. I’ve never had allergies (in my mid 30′s) and when I was last tested a few yrs ago I tested negative for every common allergy. Yet it is like clockwork every year from mid Nov. – about Feb. my nose gets stuffy, sore throat, constant nasal drip that results in a cough. I hate it! Any help is greatly appreciated! – submitted by Chuck, Port Charlotte, Florida

[Note from Lois (AllergyNurse): Chuck, some trees bud during late fall and winter, depending on where you live. If you can't avoid the outdoors, you might consider wearing a mask during the offending months. Hopefully readers from the Port Charlotte area will give you some ideas of what may be blooming there November-February!

If you decide to try a mask, our sponsor National Allergy has a selection of masks you can browse. You can probably find masks locally as well. If you do purchase a mask, be sure to read carefully to be sure you are getting one for outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold. National Allergy also has a cold weather mask that you might want to try, especially if you also have asthma. I don't believe it protects from pollen, but you could ask them to be sure. The advantage to going with National Allergy is that their Customer Service Representatives are highly trained and very experienced. If you feel a mask may be helpful, you can tell them what your need is, and they will be able to suggest the best mask(s) to meet it.]

Fall Allergy Capitals, Portland better than average 2011

Oct 30th, 2011
by AllergyNurse.
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The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released it’s “Fall Allergy Capitals” this month. Topping the list is Knoxville, TN, followed by Dayton, OH, McAllen, TX, Jackson, MS, and Oklahoma City, OK. AAFA does extensive research each year to provide this information on an annual basis.

Each Spring, AAFA also publishes their “Asthma Capitals” list. We did a full writeup of their 2011 Spring Allergy report soon after the report was released.This year, Richmond, VA tops the list. See the AAFA complete report listing the top ten Asthma Capitals linked below.

AAFA says, “There is no place safe from allergies in America, and some cities are more problematic than others.” Our goal here at Allergy Climates is to provide a place where people in the US and around the world can share which areas are least/most problematic for them.

Portland, Oregon ranks #100 on both lists this year for 2011, topping the year for the “better than average” place to live with allergies/asthma. What is your experience with allergy and asthma in Portland?

AAFA Asthma Capitals (Spring)
AAFA Fall Allergy Capitals

Early fall allergies in your area

Sep 23rd, 2011
by AllergyNurse.
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What are common allergies for this time of year? My husband and I have been sneezing last few days. – submitted by Margaret, Sedona, AZ

Note from Lois (AllergyNurse): Ragweed, of course, tops the list as the #1 fall allegren worldwide. Mold from rotting leaves and hay, along with grass pollen still haning on from summer in some areas, stir the mix. Fall adds a special punch of tree pollen to the potpourri, and certain foods trigger fall allergies (see my August 6, 2010, post).

Besides ragweed, what is the most prominent fall allergen in your area right now?
Lois

Reactive airway disease, need dry warm winter

Jun 19th, 2011
by AllergyNurse.
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I have asthma that reacts only to cold and chest colds and very bad mold allergies. I was in the house all winter, sick most of the time, couldn’t even attend family activities, and had a deadly case of cabin fever. I know all cities have their pros and cons, but could their be a drier, warmer location for me in winter? I would like to be able go out every now and then. Another possibility for me is to elongate my spring or fall, so if I could travel to a city during its non-mold period; that would be great. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Right now, I feel like I am active only in July and August. – submitted by Sue, Brooklyn, NY

Online allergy map of U.S. by location for travelers

Sep 23rd, 2010
by AllergyNurse.
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As an allergy nurse, I used an allergy map to show patients which seasonal allergens are prevalent in various regions in the U.S. I found similar map online that I thought you’d enjoy.

The site has good seasonal climate information which concludes with a smart reminder that “if you spend your summers in the north and travel south for the winter, you may experience symptoms throughout the year if you’re allergic to the allergens found in each place.”

View this climate map at Allergies by Geographical Location. We do not have any relationship, affiliation, or advertising arrangement with Clarinex.

Where is ragweed least prevalent in the US?

Sep 2nd, 2010
by AllergyNurse.
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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

Aug 6th, 2010
by AllergyNurse.
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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.

The season of fireworks: How does July 4 celebration affect your allergies?

Jul 3rd, 2010
by AllergyNurse.
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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

Surviving the holiday season with food allergies

Dec 17th, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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Travel, food, and festivities are an important part of Christmas and holiday celebrations. Here are some helps for those with food allergies:

Food allergy travelers on their own — If you’re travelling by plane, “dig…for stray nuts…wipe off the tray and arm rests,” says the President of the Illinois Food Allergy Education Association.

Allergy Allert Cards — This site allows you to print Allergy Cards to use while travelling or eating out. AllergyCards.com provides this service for free. Tip: Send allergy cards ahead of your visit to family and friends. Ask them to prepare food or scout out restaurants with your allergy needs in mind.

Maneuvering through the allergy obstacle course — Here’s how restaurants in one local town work to make sure their customers with food allergies have a safe dining experience.

Holiday Baking for Kids with Food Allergies — If you’re baking your own goodies, you’ll love these “easy substitutes for allergy-friendly holiday baking.”

Monthly Recipes — The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network’s December recipe column gives instructions for “Traditional Holiday Sugar Cookies,” “Chanukah Fudge Layer Cake,” and more. Or you can purchase their “Food Allergy News Holiday Cookbook” here.

Tis the season for winter allergies: Holiday helps

Dec 12th, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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Just when you thought seasonal allergies were gone for the winter, here come the holidays. Christmas trees and holiday decorations can be a source of woe for the allergy sufferer. I’ve gathered some goodies to help you fight back:

Christmas Trees – Mountain Cedar — One in 10 people is allergic to mountain cedar which begins releasing pollen in late November. Most other evergreen trees pollinate during the spring.

While Scotch pines and Douglas firs may be a safer choice, any live Christmas tree can be trouble for mold allergy sufferers.

Washing Off Christmas Tree Helps Curb Allergies according to one story. But just rinsing the tree was not enough. Read the story to see how a fruit and vegetable cleaner was used to clean the tree.

Don’t think just because you have an artificial tree you’re allergy-free, though. Artificial trees and holiday decorations often gather mold and dust during storage. When you bring them out during the dry winter months, the dust and mold spores can easily be dispersed in the air.

To prevent this, wipe dusty items with a wet cloth. Launder cloth items and discard any moldy decorations that cannot easily be cleaned. Dry thoroughly before storage and store covered in a dry area to prevent mold growth and dust accumulation.

Avoiding Allergens During the Holidays — Want more ideas? Here’s a host of holiday tips for allergy sufferers from Discovery Health.

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