According to WebMD, 35 million people in the United States are living with complications that come with Asthma. May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month as deemed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Why May? During the month of May, is when allergy season is at its peak. AAFA’s main goal is to “educate about diseases and to celebrate by bringing healthy messages to work, school, and home,” according to the AAFA website.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes more than 3,300 American deaths per year and is a major factor in 7,000 deaths, according to WebMD who lists the 10 worst cities in America based on Asthma rates. The top 10 include:
10. Allentown, PA
9. McAllen, TX
8. Oklahoma City, OK
7. St. Louis, MO
6. Hartfield, CT
5. Chattanooga, TN
4. Pittsburgh, PA
3. Knoxville, TN
2. New Haven, CT
1. Memphis, TN
According to the EPA, second hand smoke, dust mites, molds, roaches, pets, Nitrogen Dioxide, chemical irritants, outdoor air pollution, and wood smoke can all trigger an asthmatic reaction. Asthmatic and Allergic reactions share mold, pets, and dust as similar triggers. The Environmental Protection Agency also suggests that we should make every month Asthma and Allergy Awareness month and lists resources as well as examples of communities making a difference.
In addition to the above listed triggers, a hormone imbalance could be responsible for subjecting the body to airborne allergies. Hormonal fluctuation can cause sensitivity and reaction to airborne allergies. Estrogen dominance is not uncommon for women during hormone fluctuation. As a result, estrogen causes histamine to release, leading to coughing, sneezing, congestion and watery eyes; all common symptoms found especially during allergy season. Tackling the complexity of hormones and hormone replacement therapy are some of the many topics that will be covered in June at A4M’s BHRT workshop in San Diego. For more information, visit http://www.a4m.com/anti-aging-conference-bhrt-san-diego-2013.html.
Staying away from triggers (some listed above) can help prevent allergic reactions and Asthma attacks. Also, seeing a doctor is the best way to get treatment to prevent and cure future attacks.