Pennsylvania’s 1.5 million asthma sufferers can breathe a sigh of relief. The Pennsylvania Medical Society is introducing state-specific online resources to help patients cope with the commonwealth’s allergen-rich environment that aggravates asthma conditions, particularly in the summer months when people spend more time outdoors.
Asthma is a topic of great interest especially to residents in the Scranton, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, and Harrisburg areas.
These cities rank among the 25 worst places in the country for asthma sufferers, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Seasonal asthma triggers are compounded in Pennsylvania because of the Commonwealth’s poor air quality ratings, due to a mix of pollution, pollen, and other environmental factors.
“As common as asthma is, there is no cure,” explains Pennsylvania Allergy and Asthma Association president and Medical Society member Howard A. Israel, MD. “However, there are many ways to relieve its symptoms. Education and awareness, together with prescribed remedies, can help asthma sufferers lead comfortable lives.”
“One of the most important steps in preventing asthma attacks is controlling the factors that trigger them,” says Dr. Israel. “Since not everyone will react the same way to the same asthma triggers, it’s important to recognize which factors you respond to with wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.”
There are two different types of asthma triggers—allergic and irritant. Two of the most common environmental triggers in Pennsylvania are nitrogen dioxide—an irritant trigger—and pollen—an allergic trigger. Other irritant triggers include chemical irritants such as those in glue, paint, and cleaning products as well as tobacco smoke.
Other allergic triggers can be dust mites, mold spores, and pets’ saliva, dander, and urine. Respiratory infections, exercise, weather change, and stress also can cause asthmatic reactions.
For those who are susceptible to irritant triggers:
- Keep windows closed and stay inside when pollen and smog counts are high.
- Limit strenuous exercise when outdoors during hot, humid weather or when air quality is bad.
- Limit your exposure to second-hand smoke, as well as bonfires, campfires, and indoor fireplaces.
People with allergic triggers, such as dust mites, should:
- Thoroughly and frequently clean surfaces, like carpet, which can harbor dust mites.
- Wash bedding frequently and consider using mattress and pillow covers that block dust mites.
Persons with allergic triggers, such as animals, should also consider removing proven animal allergen sources from the indoor environment and thoroughly clean surfaces where the dander might be found.
Of course, you should always discuss any medical concerns with your physician.