Asthma: Summer Rut

We are half way through summer but it seems like it just started. The air quality has not been good which is one reason more people have had difficulty controlling their asthma. I posted an article about air quality and the Olympics in summer 2008. Review the components of air pollution there (link provided below).

I am working on another article for posting on MyAsthmaCentral.com which will provide a more detailed explanation about asthma in summer months and what you can do for better control.

But how about a sneak preview?

The hot humid weather has spawned a fierce mold ridden outdoor environment that has made it very difficult for many allergic people to breathe.

Air quality, as mentioned, is also a major factor. Ground level ozone can be as bad as pollen for people that have asthma or other breathing problems.

Weather changes are constantly a factor in the heartland where every time you look around a thunderstorm or twister is lurking. Such shifts in temperature, barometric pressure and humidity can be lethal to asthma sufferers.

Many homes have children that are out of school and don't have to get up as early and as well, stay up later, compared to spring, winter and fall. This may be disruptive to the daily or twice daily medicine schedule. How many times have you or your child missed doses of the controller inhaler or pills? Adults miss more doses for similar reasons, despite having to continue their usual work schedule. I call it the "summer rut".

I go into more detail in my article. I will post a link on this site once it is published so stay tuned. I don't want to steal all my own thunder (so to speak) by giving away the tips on how to deal with summer rut.

But I'll tell you this:

Summer visits to your asthma doctor are crucial. Review and adjustments of your asthma maintenance/action plan are essential. Find a way to stay on track with your prevention/controller medication and your summer will less likely be impacted by asthma attacks.

Click Here!    Air Quality and how to identify it

Sun Sensitivity and Summer Days

This is the happiest time of the year for many sun worshippers across the nation. As the weather goes from warm to hot, clothing becomes scant and sun exposed areas are greatly increased. Some of us may be taking medication, that combined with rays of the sun, trigger a toxic or allergic reaction.

Sun sensitive reactions may cause reddening, burning, intense itching and blistering of the skin, usually limited to sun exposed areas (face, neck, hands and arms).

I previously posted an article about a patient I saw in my office who reacted to a sunscreen topical. I reviewed the difference between photo-allergic, photo-toxic and sunburn (See Below).

Common medications reported to cause sun sensitive reactions on occasion include: Tetracyclines (often used for infection and acne), Sulfa drugs, Ibuprofen (Motrin is a brand of this drug), Naproxen (Aleve is a brand of this drug), some diuretics (water pills such as Lasix and Hydrochlorothiazide), and Quinolones (Cipro is a brand). This list is not complete. More can be found on the link below (some pics too!).

Summary on Photo-toxic and Photo-allergic skin reactions.

List of Drugs associated with photo sensitization