Amish Dust Protects Against Allergies & Asthma

The Asthma Center's specialists review new study - Results provide valuable insight and possible future options for preventing allergies and asthma.

Ragweed Rising: Three Keys of Readiness

“Ragweed pollen tripled in the last 24 hours,” says Dr. Dvorin. Three Keys for Ragweed Readiness.

Sports Asthma and the Olympics

There is one way that Olympians are just like everyone else: Olympic athletes have the same risk (8%) of developing asthma as the general population. The rate of asthma has increased in recent decades and asthma is now the most common chronic condition for Olympic participants.Few of us are born Olympians, but physical activity is important for everyone, even if you have asthma and/or sports asthma alone. 

First Ragweed Pollen of the 2016 Season Sighted

“Ragweed is here early with our first ragweed pollen observed in the air samples, “ announced Dr. Dvorin.

Mosquito Buzz Bytes: Do This, Not That

Ready-Set-Go: Travel Tips for Allergies & Asthma

While some detours can add to the fun, flare ups in allergies, asthma, and sinus problems are not. The Asthma Center has created the following checklists to help you and your family enjoy healthy and safe outings, travel, and vacations!

Air Quality Alert: Molds, Weeds & Excessive Heat

“Today may be the first day of a heat wave for the Delaware Valley, but Outdoor Mold Spore levels have been extreme for almost a week,” reports Dr. Dvorin. Outdoor mold spores today are over 9600 spores per cubic meter of air/24 period. (Counts above 7000 are extreme and may provoke severe symptoms– see How We Count Pollen.) “There has been an ebb and flow with the mold aspergillus-penicillium. Today its numbers elevated again well beyond what I have observed as the norm for our area.” warns Dr. Dvorin.

Tales from the Microscope: Unusual Mold Alert

“I see a few of these every day, but today’s aspergillus-penicillium is unusual which may be related to increased humidity in our region.” That’s the word from Dr. Dvorin after counting today’s air sample. Typically, aspergillus-penicillium counts are under 100 mold spores per cubic meter of air/24 period. Today, aspergillus-penicillium counts are over 1400 mold spores per cubic meter of air/24 period. Exposure to mold spores can also provoke flares of asthma. Chronic sinusitis is also sometimes related to mold spore exposure. Other less common reactions to mold spores include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS.) The Asthma Center specialists have tremendous experience in evaluating and treating mold allergy including ABPA and AFS.

Mars Chocolate Issues Peanut Residue Allergy Alert

Mars Chocolate North America issued a voluntary recall today on varieties of its COMBOS® products due to exposure of low-level peanut residue, according to a release by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Whether your peanut allergy symptoms are newly developed or have been around for years, The Asthma Center offers individualized treatment plans and comprehensive care.

Bummer-Free Summer: See an Allergist, Make a Plan

While many camps are equipped with action plans and a staff who are trained to accommodate children with asthma and allergies, it’s important to understand how these plans relate specifically to your child’s needs. How prepared is your child for a safe and fun experience at summer camp?