ASTHMA, ALLERGIES OR WEATHER?

Brief:

• Certain allergies and weather conditions can cause similar health symptoms. These include: sneezing, congestion and swollen nasal passages.
• These symptoms are treated very differently, depending on the cause. Anyone with allergy-like symptoms should see their primary care doctor. Individuals should not diagnose themselves.
• For individuals with asthma, pollen can trigger an asthma attack. Weather plays a part during times of strong wind, such as thunderstorms, because it contributes to the amount of pollen in the air.

More Detail:
Several studies show an increase in ER visits by both kids and adults during seasons when pollen counts are high.

For individuals who are allergic to the pollen from trees, flowers and grasses, symptoms are typically treated with an antihistamine. However, sneezing and nasal congestion can also be caused by sudden changes in temperature and humidity. For these people, symptoms will diminish with use of a saline nasal spray or decongestants. Anyone with allergy-like symptoms should see their primary care doctor for a diagnosis.

Asthma symptoms, too, are affected by the weather. Individuals with asthma commonly visit their local ER when breathing becomes too difficult or uncomfortable.

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HEADACHES AND SUDDEN WEATHER CHANGES

Brief:

• In a recent survey, 75 percent of headache sufferers polled blamed changes in weather for triggering their headaches. Participants identified the conditions such as storms, high winds or high humidity as the culprits.
• If your daily activities are affected by headaches, begin a headache diary to identify possible causes. Then see your family physician.

More Detail:
The relationship between sudden weather changes and the onset of headaches is a mystery. A survey by the National Headache Foundation gathered information about 16 possible triggers for migraines and other headaches. While some factors were environmental, the survey considered others as well. Three of every four participants ranked changes in weather, specifically barometric pressure, as the most common trigger.

Other possible triggers for headaches include: intense odors, bright or flashing lights, smoke, extreme temperature, altitude changes and high winds.

To better understand the causes of headache pain, individuals can keep a headache diary to consider:

• Description of the pain
• Other symptoms (vomiting, sensitivity to light, odors or noise)
• Food and beverages consumed that day
• Treatment and how it affected symptoms

With a record of experiences, individuals should consult their primary care physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

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BEE STINGS

Brief:

• Summer foliage presents many opportunities for bee stings. While most bee stings cause only minor swelling, redness and itching, for some individuals bee stings are deadly.
• An estimated 3 percent of people are so allergic to bee venom, that they suffer severe symptoms or shock after a sting.

More Detail:
For most people who suffer a bee sting, the symptoms of redness, itching and slight swelling will fade after a few short hours. For others, elements in the bee venom can cause severe or long-term symptoms.

Serious effects can include:

• Painful and progressive hives
• Extreme and long-term swelling
• Blocked airways or, even, circulatory collapse
• Deadly anaphylactic shock

In less than 20 seconds after a sting, the bee venom is injected into the human body. To reduce it's effect:

• Remove the stinger immediately.
• Apply an ice pack on the affected area for up to 15 minutes. If swelling continues, apply a wet, cool compress for up to six hours.
• Try a non-prescription medicine for the itching and redness.

Anyone suffering more extreme symptoms from a bee sting should be taken immediately to their local ER.

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