Allergies and Hurricane Irma

If you have allergies, or know someone who does, then you know. It's bad out there, and now made worse by Hurricane Irma.

"Over the next couple of days, you'll see the pollen numbers go up." said NBC Charlotte Meteorologist John Wendel. 

"But as you see this storm coming across the Caribbean, those pollens in some of those Islands get spread out across the Southeast. We're seeing pollen here that we haven't seen before."

"We're seeing a lot of people everyday that are coming in with watery eyes, itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, just the upper repertory misery of seasonal allergies." said Dr. Charles Bregier, Medical Director for Novant Health.

Dr. Bregier recommends people who need relief limit outdoor activities on windy days, wear a mask to limit pollen intake, and consider taking medication after taking with their doctors.

The fall allergy season will affect sufferers until around Thanksgiving.

© 2017 WCNC.COM

Mold After a Disaster

People at Greatest Risk from Mold

People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold.

Possible Health Effects of Mold Exposure

People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. People allergic to mold may have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. If you or your family members have health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor or other health care provider.

About one-third of all those with allergies are sensitive to mold. Allergic reactions to the fungi include nasal congestion and sneezing. Asthmatics will experience chest congestion, coughing and difficultly in breathing. After Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, experts coined the term "Katrina cough" after so many people in the area experienced allergies and respiratory illness brought on by mold and dust. Symptoms included cough, headache, nasal congestion, rhinitis, pink eye and sore throat.

Please remember to think about possible allergic symptomology over the next several weeks and months to address the underlying health conditions of your patients. We are here to assist you in delivering the best possible care and outcomes for your patients. Think allergy in light of the current crisis and associated medical conditions.