Allergies & Asthma
As air quality decreases, allergies and asthma increase.
Allergies & their Triggers
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America defines allergies
as "diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction
to substances called 'allergens'."
Common triggers include:
- • cold air
- • tobacco smoke and wood smoke
- • perfume, paint, hair spray, or any strong odors or fumes
- • allergens (particles that cause allergies) such as dust mites, pollen, molds, pollution,
and animal dander (which are tiny scales or particles that
fall off hair, feathers or skin) from any pets
- • common cold, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses
You may be able to add more triggers to this list. It's important to learn
which triggers are a problem for you.
Allergens
Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions
and trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Allergen particles
are carried in the air, but they will settle onto furniture
and floor surfaces. They vary in size and are measured in
microns (also called micrometers). The larger the particles,
the faster they will settle out of the air. Pollen and dust
mite debris are larger and settle out of the air more quickly
than molds or animal allergens. Smoke contains allergens
which can be very irritating, even damaging, to delicate
nasal and lung tissue.
Allergic Reactions
A major concern associated with exposure to biological
pollutants is allergic reactions, including inflammation
of the mucous membrane in the nose, nasal congestion, conjunctival
inflammation (the delicate mucous layer over the eye and
under the eyelid), rash and asthma.
For example, ragweed is highly allergenic, generally considered the greatest
allergen of all pollens, and the prime cause of hay fever in North America.
Allergic reactions can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening,
as in a severe asthma attack. Some common signs and symptoms are:
- • watery eyes
- • allergic rhinitis (runny nose and sneezing)
- • sinus infection and inflammation
- • nasal congestion
- • itching
- • coughing
- • wheezing and difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- • headache
- • fatigue
Asthma
Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become
blocked or narrowed causing breathing difficulty. This chronic
disease affects 20 million Americans. There is still much research
that needs to be done to fully understand how to prevent,
treat and cure asthma. But, with proper management, people
can live healthy and active lives.
Asthma is commonly divided into two types: allergic (extrinsic)
asthma and non-allergic (intrinsic) asthma.
Allergic (extrinsic) asthma is characterized by symptoms that are triggered by
an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens such as dust mite
allergen, pet dander, pollen, mold, etc. resulting in asthma
symptoms. Allergic asthma is airway obstruction and inflammation
that is partially reversible with medication. It is the
most common form of asthma, although many asthmatics experience
both extrinsic and intrinsic asthma.
Intrinsic asthma is not allergy-related. It may be caused by inhalation of airborne
chemicals such as cigarette smoke or perfumes, exposure
to cold air or hot air, chemical food additives, infection,
stress, laughter, exercise, etc.
Many of the symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma are the same—coughing ,
wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest
tightness, airway inflammation, increased mucous production.
Air pollution such as car exhaust and smoke are also frequent
asthma inducers or asthma triggers.
Asthma Symptoms
People with asthma often have one or more of these symptoms:
- • wheezing
- • chest tightness
- • coughing
- • feeling short of breath
Most Vulnerable
The young, the elderly and sensitive populations with chronic illness, such as cardiovascular disease or respiratory
disorders (allergies, asthma, emphysema, recurring bronchitis) are the most widely affected by poor air
quality.
Asthma In Children
Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in childhood,
affecting an estimated 6.8 million children under 18 years;
of which 4.1 million suffered from an asthma attack or episode in 2006.
Childhood lung health is affected
by exposure to air pollutants especially those caused by
traffic. Low birth weight and premature births are associated
with poor air quality. Premature babies and those born with
low birth weight tend to have a higher risk of ill health
throughout their lives. In regions where a large part of
the population is exposed to traffic, early-life problems
from exposure to pollution can increase the risk of ill
health throughout a person's life. Air pollution is already
a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Since traffic-related pollutants appear to be an especially high
risk factor for early exposure to air pollution, it is important
to consider where daycare facilities and private residences
are located if we are to reduce early exposure to traffic-related
air pollution.
Second Hand Smoke and Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of
second hand smoke because they are still developing physically,
have higher breathing rates than adults, and have little
control over their indoor environments. Children exposed
to high doses of second hand smoke, such as those whose
mothers smoke, run the greatest relative risk of experiencing
damaging health effects.
On June 27th, 2006, the Surgeon General
released a major new report on involuntary exposure to second
hand smoke, concluding that second hand smoke causes disease
and death in children and non smoking adults. The report
finds a causal relationship between second hand smoke exposure
and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and declares that
the home is becoming the predominant location for exposure
of children and adults to second hand smoke.
- • Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease affecting 1 in
13 school aged children on average. Exposure to second hand
smoke can cause asthma in children who have not previously
exhibited symptoms. Exposure to second hand smoke can trigger an
asthma attack and make asthma symptoms more severe.
- • Exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk for Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome.
- • Infants and children younger than 6 who
are regularly exposed to second hand smoke are at increased
risk of lower respiratory track infections, such as pneumonia
and bronchitis.
- • Children who regularly breathe second
hand smoke are at increased risk for middle ear infections.
Allergies and Asthma Treatment
The best way to improve symptoms is to eliminate or reduce
the source of the allergens or irritants from your home. This
may include removing carpets, overstuffed furniture, stuffed
toys, non-encased mattresses and pillows and bedding not washable
in hot water.
Regular, thorough cleaning with microfibre cloths,
water, and a good HEPA vacuum, goes a long way in reducing
common allergens.
Keeping humidity levels below 50 decreases the growth of dust mites
and mold which are common triggers of health problems.
People with asthma appear to be especially vulnerable to the
effects of acute NO2 exposure. Exposure to high levels (20
ppm) for several weeks or longer causes emphysema-like changes
in the lungs of animals. Therefore some relief may be experienced
by avoiding high traffic areas and by carefully venting
appliances such as gas stoves and kerosene heaters.
A 3 Step Plan
and Healthy Living
Tips give some ideas for improving indoor air quality
and reducing the effects of indoor air pollution.
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