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.

New Study

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at the risk of asthma and allergies in two different agricultural communities in the United States: 1) the Amish who use traditional farming technology and 2) the Hutterite  who use industrialized farming technology. 

The Amish community are known to have fewer allergies & asthma than the Hutterite community with the latter group having rates comparable to rates seen in the general U.S. population.

Although these two communities are similar in genetic ancestry and lifestyle, the study results showed  the incidence of asthma and allergies in Amish children was 4 – 6 times lower than in the Hutterite children.  Associated with this finding were higher levels of endotoxin in the dust samples from Amish homes as well as results of blood samples and experiments in mice that have shown lower rates of allergic sensitization.  Endotoxin is a substance found in the outer membrane of certain bacteria that can provoke strong immune responses.

This study suggests that the Amish homestead and traditional farming methods may provide “protection” due to increased bacteria exposure children experience when reared in a farm-based environment with close proximity to farm animals and their barns.  This consequently may lead to advantages in their native immune system that leads to “protection” against developing allergies and asthma.  Even though this new study was with a small number of children, the results showed significant differences in the prevalence of asthma,  the immune profiles of the two communities, and a significant role in the differences in rates of allergic sensitization.

Putting farm animals near or in people’s homes is an impractical protective measure.  However, this study provides valuable insight and perhaps increasing exposure to helpful bacteria such as using an aerosolized “dust spray” for home environments may become a future option for preventing allergies and asthma.

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.

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.

“Ragweed pollen tripled in the last 24 hours,” says Dr. Dvorin. “It has definitely arrived.  I took this picture of a ragweed in bloom on my walk last evening.”

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 low.

Ragweed pollen is moderate.

Other Weed pollen is moderate.

Outdoor Mold Spore levels are very high

Predominant: Ragweed Pollen & Outdoor Mold Spores

Ragweed Readiness: The Three Keys

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 specialists recommend taking three key steps now to keep from suffering (and sneezing) through the fall allergy season.

1.  Implement your personal Allergy Action Plan now.

This is one of the most important things you can do to be sure that you take your allergy and asthma medications before your symptoms start (including the use of intranasal corticosteroid sprays)

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.

2.  Know your level of ragweed pollen sensitivity and monitor ragweed pollen levels.

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. 

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

Check back in to read The Asthma Center’s latest blog posts to learn more about ragweed, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

3.  Reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen

Wear long sleeves and long pants when mowing the grass.

Sleep with windows closed and drive with windows up.

Beware of tracking grass 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.

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

Ragweed 411

Ragweed pollen is considered the biggest trigger of fall allergy and asthma symptoms because of its “numbers”:

the number of people with ragweed pollen allergy:

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimated in 2011 that one in 10 Americans have ragweed allergy.

the number of ragweed plants:

There are 17 varieties of ragweed.  Ragweed blankets most of the U.S. sparing only the southernmost tip of Florida, Northern Maine, and the northern West Coast.

the number of ragweed pollen grains in the air:

It is estimated that a single ragweed plant can produce up to 1 billion grains of pollen.

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.

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.

The physicians, nurses, and staff at The Asthma Center salute the elite athletes participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics!

We are proud of Team USA ( 39 Medals so far ) !!

The first week of the 2016 Summer Games has certainly confirmed that Olympic athletes epitomize the “best of the best” of both physical fitness and talent.  Given the fierce competitions and achievements exhibited, it is no wonder that Olympians seem “superhuman.”

There is one way that Olympians are just like everyone else: Olympic athletes have the same risk (8%) of developing asthma as the general population.  Mount Holly, NJ native, Olympic swimmer Kelsi Worrell is one example.  She was profiled by USA Today  earlier this year regarding her asthma and training for the Rio Olympics.

For Olympic athletes, the rate of asthma has increased in recent decades and asthma is now the most common chronic condition according to a study published this month in the Journal of Clinical Allergy and Immunology.  Rates of sports asthma [exercise induced asthma (EIA) also known as exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) ] have increased particularly for athletes who compete in any of the endurance sports like swimming, cycling, rowing, and long-distance running.  This recent study found that “…asthma develops in endurance athletes and is believed to be related to daily training sessions and frequent competitions with heavily increased ventilation.”  Interestingly, the study also found that in Olympic games since 2000, asthmatic athletes won substantially more medals than athletes without asthma and quoted speculation that “…the harder an athlete trains, the better the performance, simultaneously increasing asthma risk.”

Source: J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016:138:409-10

Sports Asthma Action Plan

Few of us are born Olympians, but physical activity is important for everyone, even if you have asthma and/or sports asthma alone.  First, it is helpful to know the causes of sports asthma and to be able to recognize the symptoms. Dry air is a common trigger because most individuals breathe through their mouth during exercise.  Exposure to pollen and mold as well as other outdoor irritants such as air pollution can provoke symptoms.  Indoor allergen exposure as well as exposure to irritants such as chlorine (during swimming in indoor pools) may also provoke sports asthma. 

Sports asthma symptoms may vary greatly from person to person.  However, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness with exercise are the typical symptoms which may indicate sports asthma is present, even if there is no other history of asthma.  Individuals may also experience similar symptoms with laughing and/or crying.  At The Asthma Center, we have established Pulmonary Function Laboratories in all of our 9 office locations  to help diagnose and manage your specific breathing condition. 

When sports asthma is identified, our specialists create a personalized sports asthma action plan (pre exercise treatment, maintenance treatment, warm-up or cool-down exercises, conditioning, and quick-relief medications) and through regular follow up care, make adjustments as needed.  With a plan tailored uniquely for his/her asthma, most individuals can not only can find a sport that can be tolerated but may excel in the physical activity or he/she chooses to enjoy.  When asthma symptoms flare, individuals may need to refrain from exercise, contact their specialist, and once symptoms resolve, resume exercise.

Sports Asthma and Kids

Physical activity is especially important for children with asthma.  Summer sports may be winding down, but school is just around the corner. 

Having a sports asthma action plan is the first priority.  If your child’s sports asthma action plan has not been reviewed in the last three months, schedule an appointment now as part of your back to school preparations.  Next, make sure there is clear communication of the sports asthma action plan between children, parents, coaches, teachers, and school nurses.  This will avoid potential misunderstandings and/or delay in treatment.  Understanding and communicating the sports action plan is crucial in managing sports asthma for kids and may include pre exercise treatment, maintenance treatment, warm-up or cool-down exercises, conditioning, and access to quick-relief medications.  Finally, if your child’s sports asthma does not seem to be under control, or if your child is not doing well after exercise, schedule an appointment with your specialist and review the situation with your child’s teacher(s) and coach(es).

To all the 2016 Olympic Athletes, the physicians, nurses, and staff at The Asthma Center wish you the best of luck as the 2016 Summer Games continue!

To athletes of all ages and abilities with asthma, the physicians, nurses, and staff of The Asthma Center salute you, and we remind you to follow your personalized sports asthma action plan!

Schedule an Appointment  – 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, we know that no two individuals are alike, and 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 and/or asthma regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little, or too much allergy and/or asthma 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.

“Ragweed is here early with our first ragweed pollen observed in the air samples, “ announced Dr. Dvorin.

The ragweed pollen pictured here was photographed by Dr. Dvorin while viewing today’s air sample by microscope.

Today’s Count

Tree pollen is very low. 

Grass pollen is not seen.

Ragweed pollen is very low.

Other Weed pollen is moderate.

Outdoor Mold Spore levels are extreme.

Predominant: 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.

 Get Ready for Ragweed Pollen Season Now

Ragweed is a major source for allergy and asthma symptoms, so be sure to take your allergy and asthma medications before symptoms start. 

Review your Allergy Action Plan with one of The Asthma Center specialists including the use of intranasal corticosteroid sprays.

Monitor pollen and mold counts. Subscribe to receive The Asthma Center daily counts direct to your inbox.

Check back in to read The Asthma Center’s latest blog posts to learn more about ragweed, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.

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, we know that no two individuals are alike, and our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief.  One way we accomplish this through 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.

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

“Today may be the first day of a heat wave for the Delaware Valley, but Outdoor Mold Spore levels have been extreme for almost a week,” reports Dr. Dvorin.

Outdoor mold spores today are over 9600 spores per cubic meter of air/24 period.  (Counts above 7000 are extreme and may provoke severe symptoms– see How We Count Pollen.)

“There has been an ebb and flow with the molds aspergillus-penicillium. Today these molds are elevated again well beyond what I have observed as the norm for our area.” warns Dr. Dvorin. 

Typically, aspergillus-penicillium counts are under 100 mold spores per cubic meter of air/24 period.  Today, aspergillus-penicillium counts are again over 1050 mold spores per cubic meter of air/24 period.  For more on mold allergy and the significance of aspergillus-penicillium mold spores in our local air samples, read our recent blog Tales from the Microscope: Unusual Mold Alert.

Historical Prospective

After counting today’s air samples, Dr. Dvorin reviewed the peaks for Outdoor Mold Spores for Delaware Valley for the last 6 years (2010 through 2015.)  Conventionally, outdoor mold spores are considered to be higher in the early fall months.  Four out of the six years (2010, 2011, 2014 & 2015) support this with peak counts (ranging from nearly 9000 to over 16000 mold spores per cubic meter of air/24 period) noted on days from early September through early October.  In 2013, a peak count nearly 19000 was recorded in late May, and in 2012, a count of nearly 14000 was observed in mid-July.  It is too soon to say that Outdoor Mold Spore levels are peaking; however, levels are consistently in the ranges seen as some of the peak days in the past six seasons of historical data.

Special Note for those with Allergies & Asthma:  In addition to the National Weather Service’s Excessive Heat Warnings for our region (which are in effect now through 6:00pm on Friday 7/8/2016, there Air Quality Alerts have been issued for Philadelphia and Camden Counties.

Today’s count:

Tree pollen and grass pollen are very low. 

 Weed pollen is moderate.  A greater variety of weed pollen is present with Plantago (English Plantain), Rumex (Sorrel & Dock weeds), and Typha (Cattail) all observed.

Outdoor Mold Spores are extreme.  Cladosporium molds are approximately 45% of the outdoor mold spores in our local air today.

Predominant: Outdoor Mold Spores & Weed Pollen

Now is the Time

With the traditional onset of Ragweed Pollen Allergy season only a few weeks away and other weed pollen already present at moderate levels, now is the time to get ready!  Ragweed is known to be a major allergen across the United States, and particularly so here in the Delaware Valley.  However, there are a variety of other weeds that pollinate earlier than ragweed which may provoke symptoms.  Pollen from weeds like English Plantain, Sorrel & Dock Weeds and Cattails are present at moderate levels in the Delaware Valley today. If you (or someone you love) typically has allergy, asthma, and/or sinus symptoms in the fall months, now is the time to identify your allergic sensitivity and prepare your treatment plan.

Clockwise starting from the top left: Plantago (English Plantain), Rumes crispus (Curly Dock), Typha (Cattail), & Rumex acetosa (Sheep Sorrel)

At The Asthma Center, our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief.  We accomplish this through identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing including testing for ragweed and other weed pollen (English Plantain, Pigweed, Cocklebur, Sheep Sorrel, Lamb’s Quarters, Yellow Dock, and Sagebrush). 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.

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

The best way to fight your allergies is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy 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, we know that no two individuals are alike, and our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief.  We accomplish this through 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.