May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month

Allergy & Asthma Information

Northeast Region – Common Allergies and Time of Year

The Northeast Region consists of the following states:

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia

 

February through June	May to late August	August to October
birch, maple/box elder, oak, juniper/cedar, and pine trees.	grasses pollinate in the area, including orchard, redtop, Fescue and timothy. Also vernal grass and Bermuda	ragweed, plantain, and nettle lamb's-quarter, cocklebur pigweed, and Mexican fire bush

Note: Trees, grasses, and weeds do not pollinate at the same time or in the same sequence each year.

Source: Surveillance Data, Inc.

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Did You Know the Following Facts About Common Causes of Allergies & Asthma?

Dust/Dust Mites

• Year Round
• Peaks in August & September
• Breeds in high humidity
• Found wherever dust is
• Are Microscopic

Avoidance Tips

• Use allergy proof mattress, pillow & bedding
• Remove carpet from bedroom if possible
• Reduce clutter from bedroom
• Wear dust mask when vacuuming
• Air conditioner reduces humidity
• Avoid stuffed animals especially in the bedroom (dust collectors)

Trees, Grass & Weeds (Trees - Birch, Oak & Maple) (Weeds - Plantain, Ragweed & Sage)

• Pollen is a problem
• Trees: April – May; Grass: June – July; Weeds: May – Mid October
• Pollen Exposure is worse at dawn and dusk
• Pollen is spread by wind

Avoidance Tips

• Keep windows closed seasonally during peak times
• Air conditioners filter out pollen
• Avoid gardening and mowing the lawn
• Limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk

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Molds

• April – November (Peaks July – August)
• Heat and humidity lead to mold and mildew
• Mold growth is high in bathrooms and basements

Avoidance Tips

• Use a dehumidifier
• Avoid Basements
• Clean bathroom and shower frequently with antifungal agent
• Limit plants in home
• Wash bed linens in hot water

Animal Dander (cats, dogs, horses, feathers)

• Year-round with exposure
• Avoidance is the best policy
• It may take several months to remove animal dander

Avoidance Tips

• Keep pets outside or at minimum out of the bedroom
• Limit exposure as much as possible
• Pre-Medicate with an Antihistamine if exposure is unavoidable

Other avoidance tips to consider

• Do not dry clothes on an outdoor clothes line
• Dry your clothes in a ventilated dryer
• Avoid being outside on rainy and windy days
• Avoid smoke, including wood stove smoke. Don’t smoke.
• Stay inside when pollen levels are high
• Keep rain gutters and drains clear of leaves and other debris, and make sure the water from downspouts flows away from the house
• Avoid activities that expose you to molds, such as gardening (especially working with compost), mowing the lawn or raking leaves

For more information, visit our on-line health information resource Healthwise Library.

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Posted 5/06/09