5 Ways A Hurricane May Trigger and Worsen Your Allergies and Asthma

Hurricane Irene brought wind, rain, storm surges, and of course flooding to millions on the east coast. But another possible consequence is that it can stir up your allergies and asthma symptoms.

Stormy weather including tropical storms and hurricanes can worsen allergies and asthma because increased gusty winds can seriously spread wet mold spores into the air. Additionally, if a homeowner loses power, air conditioning which filters and dehumidifiers warm, humid air can allow outdoor allergens (particularly mold spores) to enter the home and trigger those pesky allergy-associated symptoms. In many areas, we are already seeing high levels of various pollens including Ragweed, weeds, and mold spores.

Of course, indoor water damaged areas can be problematic due to mildew and mold growth as a result, especially in basements, ground-level areas as well as water-damaged walls, ceilings, and flooring. With Hurricane Katrina, both allergic and non-allergic people needed mold remediation measures as a result of excessive water damage.
In those with chronic or persistent respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema may be in jeopardy if power outages result in loss of electricity needed for compressor-driven home “nebulized” asthma medications. Alternative medications and therapies need to be part of an asthma action plan that should be in place for those at risk.

Helpful Strategies

Here are some helpful strategies to help better manage allergy and asthma problems after a hurricane such as Irene:

• If you suffer from allergies remember that opening windows may aggravate symptoms as outdoor allergens enter the home.
• If you have pet allergies, be prepared for a spike in allergy symptoms as a result of closer and prolonged exposure in a relatively closed environment.
• Engage the “do not re-circulate” mode for your air conditioner to reduce outdoor allergens from entering your home.
• Change your home air conditioner/furnace filters regularly.
• Mold growth can build up from fallen leaves, branches around your home. You can measure indoor humidity levels by using an inexpensive room “hygrometer”.
• Consider if humidity surge as a result of rain and flooded areas, expect that indoor humidity levels will surge (over 50%). Be aware that the use of a room or central dehumidifier can help to prevent mildew growth that can worsen respiratory allergies.
• Have your prescribed and OTC allergy and asthma medications in close proximity and on hand (especially important if you have a power loss).
• Work with your family allergist or asthma specialist (www.allergyandasthmarelief.org) to learn the warning signs of uncontrolled asthma and have a plan in place for worsening symptoms, as well as your health care provider’s emergency contact information.

Hurricane’s and Their Effect on Allergies

It’s amazing what a difference a day makes. The past two days were ominous with the winds blowing and the Hurricane swirling, and today we had the picture-perfect day for weather. The good news for most of the east coast is that Hurricane Irene caused less damage than expected, but that may be of little solace to those of you who are cleaning up the debris from fallen trees (I lost my favorite big oak tree in my backyard) and wading through the water damage from the flooding.

I know many homeowners on the South Shore of Long Island are dealing with flooding problems in their basements. It’s bad enough to see things floating around in your basement— it’s another thing to be affected what you may not be able to see with your own eyes: mold growth. Mold is a type of fungus that grows wherever water and moisture are present along with warm temperatures.

As an allergist in New York and Long Island, I have seen many patients over the years suffer from medical problems related to chronic mold exposure. The type of problems ranges from: Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath to common nasal symptoms such as sinus pressure or painHeadachesFatigueIn some cases I’ve seen patients develop rashes from the airborne mold. Mold can be very dangerous for a person that is immune-compromised, such as after a round of chemotherapy when a patient’s white blood cell count may be low. Mold can be invasive, get into the bloodstream, and cause a deadly infection. More commonly, in patients with allergies, mold causes the symptoms described above, along with fatigue. The most common molds are Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium (similar but not the same as Penicillin), and Aspergillus. As an allergist, I can test for these molds through skin or blood tests to see if a person is allergic. In my experience, mold allergies are sometimes difficult to treat with just antihistamines. My best results seem to occur in patients treated with sublingual allergy immunotherapy (allergy drops). Sublingual allergy immunotherapy builds a person’s natural resistance to specific molds and can usually decrease a person’s need for medications. Meanwhile, I hope all of you are safe back in your own home, and that the electricity is working! The best thing you can do to prevent molds from growing is to clear out the water, use dehumidifiers to suck out the moisture in the air and check for any unusual green or black spots where water damage occurred.

Hurricane’s Effect on Asthma Symptoms

Overview

Hurricanes kick up mold spores and pollen and blow them all around, causing those with asthma to suffer severely. Hurricanes have other effects on asthma symptoms as well. Loss of electric power means people cannot run air conditioning to filter out allergens and flooding in warm areas can easily create mold in homes. In addition, people under stress are more prone to asthma attacks. With a high frequency of hurricanes along the Gulf coast of the United States from 2005 through 2008, numerous people with asthma were affected.

Wind and Pollen

Under normal circumstances, many asthma patients might only experience some mild hay fever symptoms, but Texas physician Joseph Perez saw a large influx of asthma and allergy patients after Hurricane Ike hit there in 2008. He commented on how any storms can worsen these conditions, but especially ones with winds of up to 110 miles per hour.

Windows and Pollen

Hurricanes often knock out power, leaving allergy sufferers without air conditioning and having to open windows for cool air. Pollen and mold spores stirred up by hurricane winds will then be blown directly into people’s homes. When a hurricane coincides with an allergy season, as Hurricane Ike did at the beginning of autumn, Perez calls it “allergy mayhem.”

Hurricane Health Tips: Allergies

Exposure

When a hurricane strikes, you are suddenly thrust into a very changed environment. Your air conditioning may be inoperable, your landscape could be unearthed, and many things in your house might be damaged by water. These conditions create havoc for people who have allergies. The most common problematic exposures after a hurricane are:

• Dust mites
• Mold and Mildew
• Mango Sap and Florida Ivy
• Pollen

Preparations

Preparing in advance of hurricane season can greatly reduce the discomfort of allergies after a hurricane. It is wise to have the following supplies on hand to help your condition:

• At least a two-week supply of medications and medical supplies
• Antibiotics for people whose allergies flare into sinusitis
• Extra prescriptions are written by your physician
• A generator for asthma patients who regularly use a nebulizer
• Hydrocortisone cream 1%
• Bleach

Medication and Supplies

Remember, your local pharmacy may be closed, and transportation will be difficult right after a hurricane. Having a two-week supply of medications will help you temporarily until services can be restored. In case you need to go to a new pharmacy or your physician is unreachable by phone, it is wise to have extra prescriptions written in advance. This will enable you to get your medications when you need them.

Pets

Many people with allergies have pets that live outdoors. During a hurricane, you certainly want to keep them safe. However, having your pet inside with you will aggravate your condition. So prior to hurricane season, have a friend or family member who is not allergic to pets commit to housing them for you.

Hurricane Shutters

While it is advised for everyone in Florida to have hurricane shutters, they are expensive and the cost may be prohibitive to protect all your windows. If this is the case, install shutters on your bedroom windows. Usually, you are in the bedroom for the greatest length of time on a daily basis. By minimizing damage to that room, you will reduce your exposure to the mold and mildew that develops from water-soaked mattresses, bedding, and drywall. This will minimize the discomfort of allergies after a hurricane.

AFTER THE HURRICANE

Remove Items with Water Damage

Mold and mildew grow quickly on anything wet. Do not wait for water-soaked items to dry. Get them out of your house immediately. If you are physically unable to lift heavy items, ask friends and family to help you.
Start with your bedroom first, since this is where you generally spend long hours. Remove water-damaged items such as:

• Carpet and Padding
• Mattresses and Bedding
• Furniture
• Draperies
• Clothing

Wash down wet drywall with bleach diluted with water. This will keep mildew from growing. Also, apply mildew-prohibiting cleaning products to your tile.

Exposure to Foliage

While clearing and cleaning up your landscape, you may get an allergic reaction on your skin from the exposure to surrounding foliage. The most common reactions in the South Florida area are:

• Contact dermatitis due to poison ivy or Florida ivy
• Mango dermatitis, an allergic reaction to the mango sap

Apply hydrocortisone cream (1%) to the rash as directed. This will reduce the itching and discomfort.

Chronic Conditions

People with chronic conditions should take special measures:

• Asthma patients who depend on a nebulizer should invest in a generator that will keep the nebulizer functioning when the electricity is off.
• Individuals whose allergies progress into sinusitis should have an extra course of antibiotics on hand. Take the medication, as directed, when symptoms first appear.