Philadelphia, PA – March 29, 2017 – “Allergists nationwide responded enthusiastically to the results of our original research because it represents hope for so many individuals with upper respiratory tract problems, like allergies, sinus disease and nasal polyps, who have lost or limited sense of smell.” – Dr. Marc Goldstein, Board-Certified Allergist at The Asthma Center

 Watch Dr. Goldstein’s CBS3 Interview

Ground-Breaking Treatment for Loss of Smell

Loss of smell, either partial (hyposmia) or total (anosmia) affects upwards of 40 to 50 million Americans and can affect a diverse group of individuals (those with upper respiratory allergies, nasal polyp disease, sinus disease, post viral upper respiratory infection, head trauma or neurogenic disorders.) Treatment for loss of the sense of smell has long been very limited.  Dr. Marc Goldstein, one of the founding Allergists from The Asthma Center just presented exciting new research for the treatment of loss of the sense of smell at the national meeting for Allergists (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2017), held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Intranasal theophylline sprayed into the nose objectively improved and sustained the sense of smell in 50% of the individuals who participated (where previous treatments had failed.)  This approach represents a ground-breaking treatment for anyone with “lost” or reduced sense of smell.

Why is this Ground-Breaking News?

According to research published in the Journal of Science in 2014, the human nose can smell at least one trillion distinct scents.  The sense of smell (considered the “oldest of the senses”) is one of the most important senses for daily life in terms of how we interact with the world—from how we enjoy food to how smell triggers emotions and memories and safeguards our well-being.  Loss, or impairment, of the sense of smell can lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of life for both adults and children who have allergies, sinus disease, and nasal polyps.

Loss of the sense of smell is under-recognized by the medical community.   Until now, because only limited treatment options were available, individuals who had “lost” sense of smell were confined to living with this disability.

With 50% of participants showing objective improvement, the results of The Asthma Center’s original research with intranasal theophylline represent a promising break-through and hope for relief for many adults and children.

What to do if you have  “loss” of smell?

Allergists recognize that loss of the sense of smell can be associated with a variety of upper respiratory tract problems. Evaluation of loss of smell includes an extensive history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests to identify possible causes such as allergies, chronic sinus disease,  nasal polyps, drug reactions and neurologic disorders.  Our adult and pediatric allergists at The Asthma Center are well suited to evaluate individuals with the vexing problem of loss of smell.

And now, treatment researched and offered at The Asthma Center can potentially make a significant difference for those with chronic smell loss.

Facts About Sense of Smell

Source: EverydayHealth

• Scent cells are renewed every 30 to 60 days
• You can smell fear and disgust
• Women have a better sense of smell than men
• Some of the most pleasant or pleasurable scents include vanilla, cinnamon, crayons and cookies
• Dogs have nearly 44 times more scent cells than humans
• Each human has their own distinct odor

The Asthma Center thanks Stephanie Stahl for helping us share this new smell loss research in a CBS Philly interview with Dr. Goldstein.

Our allergists, pediatric allergists, and asthma specialists treat patients in 9 convenient locations throughout the Delaware Valley including Philadelphia (Center City Philadelphia, Society Hill Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia), The Main Line – Montgomery County (Bala Cynwyd – Lower Merion PA), Bucks County (Langhorne PA), and South Jersey (Mt. Laurel NJ, Woodbury NJ, Hamilton NJ, Forked River NJ).

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease. For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only National Allergy Bureau (NAB) certified pollen, ragweed, and mold spore counting stations in Philadelphia, PA and Mt. Laurel, NJ, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com.

“Allergic eye symptoms can impact anyone-even our very own Allergy Lab Technician, Ina Frankel” (Photo Courtesy of The Asthma Center)

Philadelphia, PA – March 3, 2017 – With the presence of very high to extreme levels of early tree pollen in the air, if your eyes are itchy now, eye allergy could be the cause.” – Dr. Marc Goldstein, Board-Certified Allergist at The Asthma Center

 “As soon as Juniper started sprouting last week, my eyes started itching. “  That’s how Joe, one of The Asthma Center’s longtime patients described his symptoms to Dr. Goldstein today. (Thank you Joe for sharing your experience!) And Joe’s experience is not unique – over the last two weeks, complaints of eye symptoms have spiked across our allergists’ offices. Usually allergy related eye symptoms hit hardest in the spring, most likely due to higher volumes of pollen in the air. But as tree pollen has spiked in Philadelphia recently, the past few weeks have been particularly harsh for allergy sufferers.   

Prevalent symptoms include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Eyelid problems
• Dark circles around the eyes
• Eye burning
• Eyes sticking together
• Dry eyes
• Reactions to contacts

Are Eye Allergies to Blame?

Eye allergy is caused when mast cells release chemical mediators (histamines) which trigger allergic reactions.  Mast cells superpopulate the lining of the eyes which naturally come in contact with the same air that is inhaled through the nose and mouth.  When large amounts of an environment allergen (example: Juniper/Cedar tree pollen and all other early blooming trees) are present, the eyes become a “target” for eye allergy symptoms.

Why now? What’s In the Air Now?

As the only official certified pollen, ragweed and mold spore counter for Delaware Valley, Dr. Dvorin continues to observe very high and extreme levels of early tree pollen and high levels of outdoor mold spores in the air samples collected for Philadelphia and Mount Laurel, NJ.   Juniper/Cedar tree pollen is the predominant pollen in the air currently.  Other tree pollen present include Maple and Elm tree pollen.  And as long as tree pollen stays prevalent in the air, allergy sufferers unfortunately will continue to experience eye related symptoms. 

What to do about Eye Allergies?

No two allergy sufferers are alike, so over-the-counter medication may not work well for everyone’s symptoms. Instead, our allergists and pediatric allergists develop personalized treatment plans to help our patients feel better. We identify specific levels of allergic sensitivity using minimally invasive in-house diagnostics, like allergy skin testing. Pairing these results with local knowledge of allergy triggers like pollen, ragweed and mold, our allergists develop personalized plans that treat not only the symptoms but also the cause of allergies. And because allergy symptoms often spike with pollen, we know exactly when to adjust allergy medication – providing more relief when conditions are bad and less medication every time else. 

Our allergists, pediatric allergists, and asthma specialists treat patients in 9 convenient locations throughout the Delaware Valley including Philadelphia (Center City Philadelphia, Society Hill Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia), The Main Line – Montgomery County (Bala Cynwyd – Lower Merion PA), Bucks County (Langhorne PA), and South Jersey (Mt. Laurel NJ, Woodbury NJ, Hamilton NJ, Forked River NJ).

Did You Know? Pollen, Ragweed & Mold Spore Counts Direct to Your Inbox!

The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen, Ragweed and Mold Spore Counts are available by email! With counting stations in Philadelphia, PA and Mt. Laurel, NJ, we are Delaware Valley’s only official pollen source certified by the National Allergy Bureau. Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email and check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB)  certified pollen, ragweed, and mold spore counting stations in Philadelphia, PA and Mt. Laurel, NJ, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB)  certified pollen, ragweed, and mold spore counting stations in Philadelphia, PA and Mt. Laurel, NJ, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

The Start of Pollen Season in Philadelphia: Early Tree Bloomers

Philadelphia, PA – Board Certified Allergist Dr. Donald Dvorin of The Asthma Center announced today, March 2, 2017, the start of the Delaware Valley pollen season.

What’s in the Air Now?

As the only official certified pollen and mold spore counter for the Delaware Valley, Dr. Dvorin observed very high levels of early tree pollen and high levels of outdoor mold spores in the first official air samples collected for our region.  Juniper/Cedar tree pollen is the predominant pollen in the air currently (more than 87% of the tree pollen observed).  Juniper/Cedar is one of the Delaware Valley’s “early bloomers.”  Other “early bloomers” present are Maple and Elm tree pollen. 

According to Dr. Dvorin, this early start to the pollen season is likely related to the trend of warmer than usual temperatures the Delaware Valley has been experiencing, particularly the consecutive warm “spring-like” days last week with temperatures climbing into the 70s.  Colder temperatures, on the other hand, specifically prolonged periods of less than 40 degrees may “close up the buds” on trees temporarily.

Delaware Valley’s Official Pollen & Mold Spore Counts

Since 1992, The Asthma Center’s Allergist & Resident Pollen Expert, Dr. Donald Dvorin has monitored and analyzed our region’s air with Burkard pollen and mold air samplers.  [See How We Count Pollen] 

The Asthma Center has published pollen and mold spore data in peer reviewed medical journals and defined the relevant pollen and pollen seasons for Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

Throughout pollen season (early March through the fall), The Asthma Center operates two certified monitoring stations: one on a rooftop in Center City Philadelphia and the other atop a roof in Mount Laurel, NJ.  Dr. Dvorin publishes daily pollen, mold, and ragweed counts through the spring, summer and fall which the region’s allergy sufferers rely on to help control and treat symptoms [Sign Up Here]. 

Dr. Dvorin has directly contributed to the field of pollen collection and counting for many years, and patients benefit directly from his work. Not only can allergy sufferers learn “what’s in the air,” the allergy specialists at The Asthma Center can test whether or not what’s in the air is triggering specific symptoms, for instance the tree pollen in the air today.

What to Expect for Philadelphia’s 2017 Pollen, Ragweed & Mold Season

“I’ll keep you as informed as I can about “what’s in the air,” so that you can be proactive about treatment, promises Dr. Dvorin and he added “Daily Counts are expected to begin Monday, March 6, 2017.” [Sign Up Here]

“Weather plays such a big role in the counts,” says Dr. Dvorin. 

If current trends of warmer weather and windy conditions continue, we may see counts similar to 2016 when El Nino contributed to a spring pollen season with extreme levels present earlier than “normal” and more frequently than “typical.”

Dr. Dvorin reviewed the “start of pollen season” for the past 10 years and found that, generally speaking, pollen was present beginning the second week of March.  During the majority of pollen season starts, tree pollen was observed at very high levels.  However, in 4 out of the past 10 pollen seasons, extreme levels of tree pollen were observed within the first week, including 2016 when tree pollen was more than 2,000 pollen grains per cubic meter of air.

Dr. Dvorin on Pollen “Forecasts”

“Currently there is no published, scientifically validated model for pollen forecasting,” states Dr. Dvorin

Empirically, when The Asthma Center compares our pollen data with the forecasts that are promoted on the internet and phone apps, the correlation is poor. When The Asthma Center Board Certified Allergists take into account the symptoms experienced by the patients in our clinical practice, again, “the correlation with pollen forecasts is poor.”

“We are working on a forecast model at The Asthma Center for metropolitan Philadelphia,” stated Dr. Dvorin. “I’m not saying it’s impossible, but a validated, reliable predictive model is not available yet.

What’s the Deal with Pollen?

Trees and other plants reproduce by creating pollen grains, a fine “dust,” that is often visible to the naked eye (all that yellow or green dust on cars in the morning), but other times so small that it can only be seen under a microscope.

Not all pollen cause allergy symptoms, but those that do are light and can travel far on wind currents. Trees pollinate for two to three week intervals at various times and overlap with peaks observed in our region from late April through early May. Similar to tree pollen, grass pollen is produced as a means of reproduction and depends on wind currents to be transported. Airborne grass pollen appears in early April, peaks throughout May, and declines in June. The Delaware Valley also experiences a second burst of Grass pollen in September.  Weed pollens are prevalent later in the summer, with Ragweed pollen a major culprit in our area. 

Did You Know?  Daily Pollen, Ragweed & Mold Spore Counts Direct to Your Inbox!

The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen, Ragweed and Mold Spore Counts, the Delaware Valley’s only official pollen, ragweed, and mold spore count station certified by the National Allergy Bureau are available via email. Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

Have Allergy & Asthma Symptoms

No two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike, so over-the-counter medication may not work well for everyone’s symptoms.  Instead, our allergists and pediatric allergists develop personalized treatment plans to help out patients feel better.  We identify specific levels of allergic sensitivity using minimally invasive in-house diagnostics, like allergy skin testing.  Pairing these results with local knowledge of allergy triggers like pollen, ragweed and mold, our allergists develop personalized plans that treat not only the symptoms but also the cause of allergies.  And because allergy symptoms often spike with pollen, we know exactly when to adjust allergy medication – providing more relief when conditions are bad and less medication every time else.

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

Media Inquiries: Please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

Asthma & Obesity:

New Study Reviewed by the Allergists of The Asthma Center

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine concluded that children with asthma may have increased risk of obesity.  The study also concluded that the use of “rescue inhalers” appears to decrease the risk of obesity.

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States with asthma and obesity often occurring together.

While a number of studies have found that obesity is frequently present in asthma patients, the exact relationship of the two conditions remains unknown.  This new study suggests that lack of asthma treatment may actually increase a child’s risk for obesity. 

Another important finding of this new study is that when “rescue inhalers” (short-acting) were used, the risk of obesity decreased for children with asthma.  Now, more than ever, having an Asthma Action Plan is extremely important for any child or adult who has asthma.

As the Allergists at The Asthma Center know, individuals with asthma do not all experience the same set of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or exercise-induced symptoms to name just a few.  Researchers often separate different asthma types by grouping symptoms in clusters or “phenotypes” and have shown that in children, obesity is often present as a distinct clinical asthma phenotype.

Our highly trained Allergists, nurses and staff know that asthma symptoms can make day-to-day life difficult.  For example, do you or your child have trouble breathing?  Difficulty making it through a work-out, recess, playing sports, playing a musical wind instrument, or singing? Chest tightness? Wheezing? Shortness of breath? Trouble breathing with a cold or seasonally in the Spring and Fall? Trouble breathing when laughing or crying?

Whether your symptoms, or your child’s symptoms, are newly developed or have been around for years, The Asthma Center offers individualized treatment plans and comprehensive care for our patients.  Click here to learn more about asthma, and how we help children and adults with asthma Get Relief!

Make an appointment to see an allergist – Why Choose Us?

The best way to fight your allergies & asthma is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike, so don’t rely on over the counter medications when you could be targeting your symptoms with the help of our allergy experts!  At The Asthma Center, our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief.  One way we accomplish this is by identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing to help you plan your treatment. By following the local pollen counts, we are able to customize allergy regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little or too much allergy medication

Media Inquiries: Please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

Keep Your Holidays Free of Sneezing & Wheezing

The Asthma Center is pleased to present Dr. Marc Goldstein’s vlog on how to keep your holidays free of sneezing & wheezing!

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

5 Tips for Christmas Allergies & Asthma

1. Before you bring your Christmas tree inside, be sure to shake it out and rinse it off with a hose! With fresh cut trees, pay special attention to the bottom of the tree because this is where the most pollen, dirt and mold are found.  With artificial trees, dust which may have collected throughout the year can be a potential allergy & asthma trigger as well, so be sure to clean these trees before decorating.
2. Dust and clean ornaments, wreathes, and garlands before decorating.
3. Avoid scented candles, pot pourri  and aerosol sprays.
4. Avoid fireplaces, ash & smoke–this can present particular problems for those with asthma.
5. Avoid touching wreathes, garlands and trees if you have sensitive skin or severe allergies (which can result in contact dermatitis.)

Make an appointment to see an allergist – Why Choose Us?

The best way to fight your allergies & asthma is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike, so don’t rely on over the counter medications when you could be targeting your symptoms with the help of our allergy experts!  At The Asthma Center, our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief.  One way we accomplish this is by identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing to help you plan your treatment. By following the local pollen counts, we are able to customize allergy regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little or too much allergy medication.

Media Inquiries: Please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

American Academy of Pediatrics Recommends Allergy Testing & Environmental Controls for Kids with Asthma

For the first time in its 86 year history, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended using allergy testing for kids with asthma. Standard practice for the allergists and asthma doctors at The Asthma Center, this report raises awareness among pediatricians and parents for the need for allergy testing by board-certified allergists to improve the treatment and management of asthma. The report also recommended creating personalized care plans for children with asthma, including environmental history – the indoor and outdoor environments – where kids live, learn, and play.

Why this Clinical Report Matters

• Founded in 1930, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is the premier professional association of pediatricians in the United States (US).  Currently more than 66,000 pediatricians in the US belong to the AAP and are “committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.”  

• Since 2009, the AAP has worked to raise awareness, provide guidelines, training and support regarding asthma care for children.

• The AAP states that the goal of this new report is to raise awareness among pediatricians as well as parents and provide guidance regarding the need for allergy testing and environmental controls to improve the treatment and management of asthma.

• As many as 10% of children across the US have asthma which makes “asthma one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses.” The incidence in urban environments, like Philadelphia, is even higher and can approach 25%.

What Parents Need to Know: 4 Recommendations From the American Academy of Pediatrics

1. Personalized, Tailored Care:  

   The AAP emphasizes throughout this clinical report the importance of “individualized,” “personalized,” and “tailored” care strategies in the treatment of asthma.  At The Asthma Center, this has been our standard of care for more than 25 years.   Our goal is to personalize your treatment because we know that no two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike!

2. An Environmental History:  

   The AAP advises all pediatricians that developing a personalized care plan for children with asthma must include an environmental history. Research has documented key indoor triggers of asthma symptoms and flares, and an environmental history is critical to identifying the environmental exposures which may be present in your home, in your child’s school or daycare, or in any other indoor environment your child frequents.

   At The Asthma Center, an environmental history is an essential part of the evaluation we provide! Because we understand the role of indoor environmental exposures in both triggering both allergies and asthma, and the vital information an environmental history contributes to individualized care, our board certified allergists and staff have developed and utilize an in-depth environmental history survey for all our patients.

   The Asthma Center’s full scale environmental history goes beyond the standard questions of if there are pets or smokers in the home.  Our environmental history covers all the topics the AAP recommends (such as sources of known indoor air pollution and the use of gas stoves and appliances), and takes it even a step further to include all the indoor and outdoor exposures our board certified allergists have found to be relevant to the Delaware Valley.  Since we are the Delaware Valley’s only board certified allergists studying the air quality for pollen and mold spores, (see How we count pollen and mold spores?)  we know exactly what potential allergens your child may be exposed to in the outside environment.   Our comprehensive environmental history is performed at each new patient visit and as part of our individualized follow up care, we are always monitoring for new, relevant changes in the environment!

3. Allergy Testing:

   For children with persistent asthma, the AAP now recommends pediatricians refer children to a board certified allergist for allergy skin testing or perform serum IgE antibody tests to determine allergic sensitivity to indoor allergens.  No child is too young for allergy testing.

   At The Asthma Center, our board certified allergists use the results of such testing in combination with our full scale environmental history survey, history of symptoms, physical exam, and in some cases, other testing specific to a child’s experience, to create a tailored Allergy & Asthma Action plan for each child.

   Special Note for Parents regarding Allergy Skin Testing: At The Asthma Center, for infants and very young children, a multi-test device is used instead of instead of individual testing which is exceedingly fast to apply and minimizes the testing time for the child.

4. Environmental Control Plan:

   The AAP advises pediatricians and parents that “individually tailored environmental control measures have been shown to reduce asthma symptoms and exacerbations…” The AAP maintains such a personalized plan must be informed by a child’s environmental history and assessment of allergic sensitivity (allergy skin testing.)

   At The Asthma Center, environmental control measures are part of every individuals Allergy and/or Asthma Action plan.

    

   Special Note for Parents regarding Indoor Pollutants:  The AAP clinical report pays special attention to exposure to the indoor pollutants of particulate matter (PM) and secondhand smoke (SHS) for children with asthma.  Examples of PM & SMS include cigarette or cigar smoke; other substances that are smoked, smoke from e-cigarettes; smoke from incense, cooking, sweeping or other activities, or any other activity which generates particles into the air.  The AAP warns all pediatricians and parents that PM and SHS are issues for both allergic and nonallergic children with asthma and are associated with lung inflammation, decreased lung function and increased respiratory symptoms.

The Asthma Center specialists reviewed the new clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “Indoor Environmental Control Practices and Asthma Management” published first online on October 31, 2016 (Matsui EC, Abramson SL, Sandel MT, AAP SECTION ON ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY AAP COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH.Indoor Environmental Control Practices and Asthma Management.  Pediatrics 2016, 138(5):e20162589)

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

Flu Season has started

Now and over the coming months is the time to get your flu shot. Flu Shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older and are available at The Asthma Center because flu shots are one of the most important steps you can take to prevent getting the “flu.”

Don’t wait! Schedule your “quadrivalent” flu shot today in one of our 9 Locations throughout the Delaware Valley including Pennsylvania (Center City Philadelphia, Society Hill Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, and Langhorne) and Southern New Jersey (Mount Laurel, Woodbury, Hamilton, and Forked River.)

Make an appointment to see an allergist – Why Choose Us?

The best way to fight your allergies & asthma is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike, so don’t rely on over the counter medications when you could be targeting your symptoms with the help of our allergy experts!  At The Asthma Center, our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief.  One way we accomplish this is by identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing to help you plan your treatment. By following the local pollen counts, we are able to customize allergy regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little or too much allergy medication.

Media Inquiries: Please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

According to a recent article from Kaiser Health News, issues related to drug prices and out-of-pocket costs rank as the top healthcare concern for Americans.

Many pharmaceutical companies offer discounts, coupons, and “savings” programs. However, these offers can be challenging to find, change frequently, and be difficult to manage when multiple medications are part of one’s Allergy and/or Asthma Action Plan.

The Asthma Center board certified Allergists and staff have found a way to help, and we are excited to announce a new feature on our website, our Drug Coupons page!

• Drug Coupons: “A-Z, Ways to Save”

The Asthma Center Allergists and staff have worked to compile a comprehensive list of links to discount offers, coupons, and savings programs for more than 35 of the most commonly recommended allergy and asthma medications including, Advair, Dymista, EpiPen, Symbicort and more.  We will continue to expand our list, which currently includes both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

• Drug Coupons: “A Resource You Can Count On”

At The Asthma Center, taking care of you is our top priority.  With our Drug Coupons page, The Asthma Center brings you all the links you need, in one place, to save money on the medications which are crucial elements of your Allergy and Asthma Action Plan.

Just as you count on The Asthma Center Allergists and staff to provide the best allergy, asthma, immunology & sinus care, you can count on current, accurate, web links to all of the latest offers. Feel free to notify us at info@asthmacenter.com if you find any of the links are out of date or if a coupon is missing.

Flu Season has started

Now, and over the coming months, is the time to get your flu shot.

Flu Shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older and are available at The Asthma Center because flu shots are one of the most important steps you can take to prevent getting the “flu.”

Don’t wait! Schedule your “quadrivalent” flu shot today in one of our 9 Locations throughout the Delaware Valley including Pennsylvania (Center City Philadelphia, Society Hill Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, and Langhorne) and Southern New Jersey (Mount Laurel, Woodbury, Hamilton, and Forked River.)

Make an appointment to see an allergist – Why Choose Us?

The best way to fight your allergies & asthma is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike, so don’t rely on over the counter medications when you could be targeting your symptoms with the help of our allergy experts! At The Asthma Center, our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief. One way we accomplish this is by identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing to help you plan your treatment. By following the local pollen counts, we are able to customize allergy regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little or too much allergy medication.

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) with stations, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

Today’s pollen and outdoor mold count from The Asthma Center, the Delaware Valley’s only official count station certified by the National Allergy Bureau (NAB):

Tree pollen is very low. 

Grass pollen is moderate.

Ragweed pollen is extreme.

Other Weed pollen is high.

Outdoor Mold Spores are very high.

Predominant: Ragweed Pollen

#LocalPollenCount Details from Dr. Dvorin

As expected, Ragweed pollen is flooding our air.  This photo taken by Dr. Dvorin shows a cluster of ragweed pollen.  Note the classic “spikes” which distinguish ragweed pollen from other pollen.

Other weed pollen present include Sage, Sheep Sorrel/Dock, Nettle, and Ornamental weeds.

“Let’s not forget about the fall grass pollen season,” reminds Dr. Dvorin.

In the 1990s, Dr. Dvorin and his partners discovered that our region experiences both the typical spring grass pollen season, and a second grass pollen season in the fall.  This discovery was included in the only published work to define pollen and mold spore seasons for the Delaware Valley. [Dvorin DJ, Lee JJ, Goldstein MF, et al. A Comparative, Volumetric Survey of Airborne Pollen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1991-1997) and Cherry Hill, New Jersey (1995-1997). Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2001; 87:394-404] 

Outdoor Mold Spore levels decreased by an estimated one-half  over the last 24 hours, which according to Dr. Dvorin may be related to drier, cooler conditions overnight.  For those with allergy to outdoor molds, however, today’s very high levels may continue to provoke moderate to severe symptoms.

#WednesdayWisdom from Dr. Dvorin

“Ragweed blooms are clearly in full swing here in the Delaware Valley,” says Dr. Dvorin.  “And if you have allergies and/or asthma, you should definitely be maximizing your personal Allergy Action Plan!”

For example, your individual Allergy Action Plan may include the use of eye drops, nasal drops, antihistamines and/or nasal rinses 30 minutes to one hour prior to going outdoors.  This example is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice or substitute for a doctor’s appointment.

Reminder for Current Patients of The Asthma Center:  If you have not reviewed your Allergy Action Plan with one of our board certified allergists in the last three months, schedule your appointment now.

Sneezing, Coughing, or Wheezing right now?

To find out if you are allergic to ragweed, call now to schedule Allergy Skin Testing, which is one of the most reliable methods to determine allergy sensitivity, particularly when correlated with your personal history. 

To accommodate the schedules of both our current and new patients, The Asthma Center is offering Saturday appointments throughout September and October in our Mount Laurel, NJ, Hamilton, NJ, Langhorne, PA, and Northeast Philadelphia locations.

Be sure to Subscribe to receive The Asthma Center daily pollen counts direct to your inbox.

Grass Pollen: Does the smell of cut grass bother you?

Mowing your lawn regularly can help cut down on the pollination of grasses on your property. However, many people experience allergy symptoms when exposed to the smell of freshly cut grass. Allergic reactions to mowed grass are more likely from the non-pollen parts of the grass containing allergenic proteins or molds being stirred up in the mowing process. When you mow your lawn, allergen concentration of this type will dramatically increase for a short period of time during and immediately after you mow. So, mowing your lawn will often be beneficial in the long-term, though it may aggravate your allergies short-term.  Reactions to cut grass sometimes can go beyond the Spring grass pollination season as well.  Again, this is not due to grass pollen but from exposure to mold spores or reactions to other grass antigens in the blades of grass.

Tips to Reduce Pollen Exposure

• Wear long sleeves and long pants when mowing the grass.  Be sure to shower & wash your hair afterwards.
• Limit time outdoors during the early morning hours when the most pollen is released.
• Sleep with windows closed and drive with windows up.
• Beware of tracking pollen into your home (kids, pets especially, newspaper sleeves, and on shorts and jackets).
• Shower and wash your hair after extended outdoor exposure.
• Wear sunglasses or glasses outdoors to limit exposure of pollen to your eyes.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses, or switch to daily disposable contacts to avoid allergens building up on the lenses.
• Wash your hands and face frequently, including eyebrows.
• Change your pillowcase often.

Make an appointment to see an allergist – Why Choose Us?

The best way to fight your allergies & asthma is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike, so don’t rely on over the counter medications when you could be targeting your symptoms with the help of our allergy experts!  At The Asthma Center, our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief.  One way we accomplish this is by identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing to help you plan your treatment. By following the local pollen counts, we are able to customize allergy regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little or too much allergy medication.

Did You Know – Pollen & Mold Spore Counts Direct to Your Inbox!

The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau are now available via email. Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) with stations, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

“Ragweed surged,” Dr. Dvorin states simply.

“It was textbook weather conditions really,” he goes on to explain “with a thunderstorm over night Tuesday into Wednesday followed by a day of hot, dry, windy weather—and the result is a lot more ragweed pollen in the air. “

Today’s photo, taken by Dr. Dvorin, shows a ragweed pollen grain from today’s air sample. Note the classic “spikes” which distinguish this troublesome pollen.

Today’s pollen and outdoor mold count from The Asthma Center, the Delaware Valley’s only official count station certified by the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) is:

Tree pollen is very low.

Grass pollen is very low.

Ragweed pollen is moderate.

Other Weed pollen is low.

Outdoor Mold Spore* levels are extreme.

*Aspergillus-Penicillium molds are strikingly high again today. For more on this unusual outdoor mold level and what it means, read Dr. Dvorin’s blog from June 21, 2016 Tales from the Microscope: Unusual Mold Alert

Predominant: Ragweed & Outdoor Mold Spores Outdoor mold spore levels have been elevated and are expected to remain elevated consistent with heat, humidity and rainfall in our area.

It’s not too late to get Ragweed Ready— The Asthma Center specialists recommend three key steps now!

Based on Dr. Dvorin’s historical data, ragweed pollen can be expected to flood the air in the Delaware Valley in the next few weeks. The Asthma Center specialist recommend taking three key steps now to keep from suffering (and sneezing) through the fall allergy season (steps are detailed in our recent blog: Ragweed Readiness: The Three Keys)

#Ragweed #FastFact

Ragweed pollen has been found 400 miles out to sea (Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.)

While it is true that ragweed is very light and easily dispersed by winds, The Asthma Center specialists do not recommend cancelling vacations or avoiding trips down the shore based on the above #fastfact.

Typically, less ragweed pollen seems to be found around large bodies of water, so the seashore is a likely area for relief for pollen sufferers.

Ragweed does blanket most of the United States with the sparing only the southernmost tip of Florida, Northern Maine, and the northern West Coast. Traveling or vacationing to these or other areas with minimal ragweed plants may also bring relief.

Be sure to download Allergies & Asthma Travel Tips 101 for tips on reducing your exposure to ragweed pollen while on vacation.

Make an appointment to see an allergist – Why Choose Us?

The best way to fight your allergies & asthma is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike, so don’t rely on over the counter medications when you could be targeting your symptoms with the help of our allergy experts! At The Asthma Center, our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief. One way we accomplish this by identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing to help you plan your treatment. By following the local pollen counts, we are able to customize allergy regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little, or too much allergy medication.

Did You Know – Pollen & Mold Spore Counts Direct to Your Inbox!

The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau are now available via email. Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.