Dr.
Bassett is a prominent media resource for national news organizations
as an allergy and respiratory specialist. He is a frequent contributor
of news programming on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX News, CNN, WCBS 880 News
Radio and a contributor to the Associated Press in addition to other
news organizations.
Dr. Bassett is Vice Chairman, Public
Education Committee, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and
Immunology. He also is Chair, Advanced Practice and Clinical Research,
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. He is bilingual in
English and Spanish.
Videos: Hooked on Nasal Spray? Fox News Tips for choosing the right OTC allergy medicine for you Woman's Day Interview on WCBS NewsRadio 880 WCBS 880 Everything you need to know about food allergies, 1/16/08 TODAY msnbc.com Interview on food allergies during Halloween season, 10/31/07 ABC News Interview on women's food allergies, 10/15/07 Today Show Interview on seasonal misery, 3/19/08 WCBS TV
Animal allergies: HealthWatch: Introducing ... A Hypoallergenic Cat? WCBS-TV Mice May Add to Inner City Asthma Woes WebMd Is There Such Thing As An Allergy-Free Dog? WCBS-TV
Antibiotic allergies: Study Sheds Light On Penicillin Allergies Allergy May Not Recur As Often As Commonly Thought CBS2 Penicillin allergy -- not forever? MSNBC
Asthma: Pollution Can Worsen City Dwellers' Springtime Allergies NY1 News Asthma Pill Cuts Intermittent Flare-ups in Kids SexualHealth.com Exercise Doesn't Worsen Asthma Medicine.Net.com Disinfect with diligence The Jackson Sun The Breath of Change Advance for Physician Assistants More People Sneezing and Wheezing? Climate Change at Work? ABC News Dying to Stay Warm ABC News Mite-Proof Covers Alone Don't Help Asthma ABC News Parents of asthmatic children grow concerned as the start of the school year approaches WPIX-TV Anticipating an attack WABC7 Healthcast Patients with chronic and allergic asthma may do better when steroid inhalers and other drugs are combined WCBS-TV Study Confirms Effectiveness of Drug for Persistent Asthma KFVS Allergy Medicine Under The Tongue May Be Preferred Method WLNS, KOMO-4 Asthma Treatment: Old Better Than New? WebMD Inhaled Steroids Advised for Mild Asthma WebMD Many Kids With Asthma Suffering Needlessly WebMD Some Asthma Inhalers May Trigger Breathing Problems Fox Carolina, CBS46, CBS6 Ed Begley, Jr. drives home clean air message USA Today Corticosteroid Treatment Effective for Children's Asthma WCAX-TV Managing Exercise-Induced Asthma WebMD Exercise Doesn't Worsen Asthma: Review Finds Some Benefits, Little Harm WebMD Two-Drug Strategy May Improve Asthma FoxNews.com Interview with allergy expert Dr Bassett, 4/11/07 Allergizer Asthma and Cleaning Products WHDH-TV-7
Children's allergies: Bounce Carefully in the Ball Pit WebMD Soy Formulas May Not Prevent Infant Allergies Breast Milk Is Best for High-Risk Infants WebMD Halloween food safety WTNH.com
Colds and flu: Sanitizers Give the Upper Hand Against Colds ABC News Can Warm Weather Cause the Flu? ABC News
Food allergies: Possible Peanut Allergy Cure on the Horizon Fox News Living With Food Allergies ABC News A Kiss Before Sneezing Time Get The 'Skinny' On Artificial Sweeteners CBS11-TV The truth about artificial sweeteners CBS 4 News At 5:00 Some foods can aggravate allergy symptoms Fox News At 5 Sesame Allergies WB11 Peanut Allergy Testing, Without the Nuts Health Scout Paging Dr. Gupta: Peanut Allergy in a Nutshell CNN New Food Label Rules Require Listing of Top Allergens KUTV New Food Labels to Help Allergy Sufferer's Avoid Reactions KECY New Food Label Law Eagerly Awaited KOMO-4 Fighting Food Allergies: New efforts are making school a safer place for kids MSNBC Hypersensitivity to sesame seeds is increasing in the U.S. 10NBC Fancy Coffees Could Trigger Allergies NBC4.com Study: Artificial sweeteners could contribute to weight gain KFSM
General allergies: The onslaught of allergies FirstScience.com-UK Video on women taking care of themselves iVillage Buckyballs could help fight allergies BioEd Online Allergies and asthma: How to breathe easily while on vacation USA Weekend 11 Ways to Breathe Easy Woman's Day Girl's Nonstop Sneezing Baffles Doctors ABC NEWS Emergency Treatment for Severe Allergies CBS2 Relieve Allergies the Natural Way WebMD Allergists or Nothing Forbes.com
Insect allergies: Tongue Drops Cut Bee Sting Allergy WebMD Best Bet Defenses Against Bugs The Early Show on CBS Bee Sting Allergies WTNH
Mold: Black Mold Drives Manhattan Woman Out Of Her Home NY1 News
Seasonal allergies: Allergy Alert: Don't Let the Bugs Bite This Holiday Weekend Fox News Health Blog Allergies or cold? Here's how to tell N.Y. Daily News Gardening with Allergies Allergy & Asthma Advocate Christmas Tree Allergies abcNEWS Certain Foods Can Aggravate Symptoms Of Seasonal Allergy Sufferers NY1 News Area Doctors Say Allergy Season Is Worst In More Than 50 Years NY1 News Doctor Explains Reasons For Severe Allergy Season NY1 News Treatments mean 'no one has to live in misery' from allergies USA Today Warm winter is no relief for allergy sufferers WVEC.com Winter No Relief for Allergy Sufferers ABC NEWS Unexpected Consequences of a Rainy Spring ABC NEWS Ragweed season starting up for allergy sufferers TampaBays10 Be Prepared For A Very Harsh Ragweed Season Avoid Hay Fever By Taking Preventitive Steps WCBS-TV Ragweed Season Means Trouble For Allergy Sufferers Methods To Prevent The Allergic Symptoms Of Ragweed CBS13 Ragweed Season Could Be Worst In 50 Years CBS4 Survival Strategies for Brutal Allergy Season ABC Good Morning America Soaring Pollen Counts Spur Worst Allergy Season in Years Forbes, CBS46 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies ABC News Home Products Can Help Fight Allergies WNBC.com Dr. Max Gomez: Allergy Time Is Back - And Worse Than Last Year WNBC.com Get ahead of allergies WTNH Allergies will spring to life in Spring WVEC Allergy Season in Full Force NBS San Diego
Skin, cosmetic and personal products allergies: Metal allergy MSN
Are
your children sniffling and sneezing this time of the year? Then
chances are you, are dealing with seasonal allergies, not a cold! Your
child may complain of itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat, frequent
sneezing, coupled with a nasal stuffiness (which may even interfere
with your child's sleep and daytime alertness).
If your kid
has seasonal allergies, then his/her immune system is "overreacting" to
the presence of spring and summer pollens and mold spores which, in
most cases, triggers histamine release causing "allergy misery". It's
also important to realize that a majority of children with asthma have underlying seasonal and indoor allergies.
Kid's
with seasonal allergies may have a variety of physical features such as
a horizontal crease over the bridge of the nose (as a result of
repeated rubbing the nose), as well as facial puffiness/discoloration
over the upper cheeks and below the eyelids known as "allergic
shiners".
Some "allergy survival tips" to combat suffering during the allergy season are:
Know the Count: Check out the pollen count at www.aaaai.org/nab and consider having your child play indoors on high pollen days.
By the sea: Seasonal pollen levels may be lower by a body of water, so during peak allergy periods, schedule a vacation at the beach.
Pre-medicate with prescribed allergy and asthma medications before spending time outdoors at the park or in the garden.
Wash wisely:
Wash and shampoo your child's hair in the evening and change clothing
outside of the bedroom to reduce seasonal pollens that may accumulated
in the hair and/or clothing during the day in the park, and thus reduce
the stuff that may worsen allergy symptoms in the bedroom.
Look like a star! Get your child sunglasses to help reduce seasonal pollens from entering your eyes and eyelids.
In
order to properly treat an allergic child it is essential to do allergy
tests (simple, in-office skin tests) that will allow an allergist to
"customize" a necessary treatment/avoidance regimen to provide relief
to your child. There are many effective allergy medications on the
market including non-sedating daily antihistamines, nasal steroid
sprays (effective in reducing swelling and nasal congestion),
leukotriene blocking drugs (new class of medication approved for
seasonal allergies and asthma) and eye drops for the prevention and
relief of watery and itchy eyes.
Parents, take your child to
see an allergist before the seasonal misery takes hold for early and
proper treatment. Remember, poorly controlled allergy symptoms may be
associated with a negative impact on "learning" in the classroom.
Wishing you and your children a "symptom-free" allergy season!
Many
people recognize allergy symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose,
itchy, watery eyes and sneezing (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis) from
dust exposure related to common household chores such as vacuuming,
sweeping, and dusting. House dust exposure can also trigger asthma
symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of
breath.
Why does house dust cause allergic reactions?
House
dust is actually a mixture of many substances. Its content may vary
from home to home, but there are certain components that are
consistently recognized as the trigger of allergies:
Dust mites
Cockroaches
Fungi (Mold)
Animals
To
trigger an allergic reaction all of these can cause a response in the
immune system which results in the production of a special antibody
(Immunoglobulin E or IgE) that brings about an allergic inflammatory
response with resultant allergic symptoms when exposed to only small
amounts of the offending allergen.
Nearly one out of four people
may have all of the symptoms identical to someone with allergies,
without the immune response. This is called non-allergic rhinitis or
non-allergic asthma. We do not have a clear understanding of the cause,
but strong smells, aerosols, tobacco smoke and other irritants may
trigger it.
Is dust allergy a sign of a dirty house?
No.
A dirty house can make a house dust allergy problem worse, however.
Normal housekeeping procedures may not be enough to get rid of house
dust allergy symptoms. This is because many of the substances in dust
cannot be removed by normal cleaning procedures. Vigorous cleaning
methods can actually put more dust into the air making symptoms worse.
Even if the house is very clean, some people are so allergic that even
minimal exposures may trigger their symptoms.
Dust Mite Allergy
Dust
mites are the most common cause of allergy from house dust. They belong
to the family of eight-legged creatures called arachnids that also
includes spiders, chiggers and ticks. Dust mites are hardy creatures
that live and multiply easily in warm, humid places. They prefer
temperatures at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity
of 75 percent to 80 percent and die when the humidity falls below 40
percent to 50 percent. They are infrequently found in dry climates.
High
levels of exposure to dust mite have been shown to be an important
factor in the development of asthma in children. People who are
allergic to dust mites react to proteins within the bodies and feces of
the mites. These fecal particles are found in the highest
concentrations in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered
furniture. They float into the air when anyone vacuums, walks on a
carpet or disturbs bedding, but settle out of the air soon after the
disturbance is over. Dust mite-allergic people who inhale these
particles frequently experience allergy symptoms. There may be many as
19,000 dust mites in one gram of dust, but usually between 100 to 500
mites live in each gram. (A gram is about the weight of a paper clip.)
Each mite produces about 10 to 20 waste particles per day and lives for
30 days. Egg-laying females can add 25 to 30 new mites to the
population during their lifetime.
Mites eat particles of skin
and dander, so they thrive in places where there are people and
animals. Dust mites don't bite, cannot spread diseases and usually do
not live on people. They are harmful only to people who become allergic
to them. While usual household insecticides have no effect on dust
mites, there are ways to reduce exposure to dust mites in the home.
(See below)
Cockroach Allergy
As unappealing as
it seems, many houses do have dust that contains parts of cockroaches.
This is most common in older, multifamily housing and in the southern
United States where complete extermination of cockroaches is very
difficult. Individuals allergic to cockroach protein, particularly
those with asthma, tend to have increased symptoms if they live in such
houses. You do not have to actually see cockroaches to have a problem.
The allergen is derived from saliva, fecal material, secretions, skin
casts, and body parts. It is usually at the highest levels in kitchens,
but may be found throughout the home, including the bedroom and bed.
The levels in bedrooms may be most associated with sensitization and
disease. Significant levels may be found in schools and commercial
buildings. Cockroaches require food and moisture to survive, so
eliminating sources of each can help reduce exposure.
Indoor Mold Allergy
Molds
found indoors originally enter from the outdoors, but may multiply
indoor under the right conditions. All houses breathe (exchange air in
and out), so it is possible to see relatively high levels of molds
inside if they are high outside. Any house can develop a mold problem
given the right conditions. Certain molds, such as Aspergillus and
Penicillium are more commonly found indoors. You might not see it
growing on the walls, but it may still be present in your home. Molds
require two factors to grow indoors: (1) free moisture from
condensation, leakage from pipes or foundations, or any ongoing source
of water; and (2) something to grow on that provides them a food
source. Molds particularly like to grow on wallboard, damp wood,
fabrics, leather, and paper products; however, they can also grow on
concrete or the dirt on windows or window frames. We all know that food
products, particularly vegetables, fruits, and breads provide a good
place for mold to grow.
The
mold does not come from "inside" these products. Molds spread by
producing spores that can become airborne when they are disturbed
directly or by air currents. These spores end up on surfaces where they
grow. Dust from mold-contaminated houses can cause allergy symptoms if
a person who is allergic to the mold inhales them. Some molds produce
bad odors. These odors may be irritating (like any strong odors)
without actually causing an allergic response. Disturbing mold
reservoirs, such as construction from remodeling can cause indoor mold
counts to rise dramatically and thus, containment precautions should be
taken to decrease potential exposure. In addition, nearby agricultural
activity can stir up mold spores in the air and cause a large influx of
airborne indoor mold concentrations.
Animal Allergies
Cats
and dogs are the most common cause of animal allergies, but any
warm-blooded animals (guinea pigs, hamsters, etc) can trigger an
allergic response. It's not just the hair or skin particles that
contain the allergens, but also the urine and saliva. Recent studies
have shown that even the house mouse can trigger allergies if present
in sufficient numbers. Allergens from domestic animals, especially
cats, may be carried on the clothing of pet owners outside the home
into the work place and schools. In fact, cat allergen, is one of the
most common allergens found in the dust in schools. There are no
"non-allergenic" cats or dogs. While recent research attempts to
develop a cat that does not emit the "major" cat allergen, in fact most
people are also allergic to multiple "minor" cat allergens. Another
confusing issue has been large population (epidemiologic) studies
reporting the "benefits" of exposure to indoor animals in reducing the
development of allergies in children. This theory (Hygiene Hypothesis)
may be true, but does not apply to someone who already has developed
animal allergies or is beyond the first few months of life. In
addition, since the response is unpredictable, it is not recommended as
a way to prevent allergies from developing.
How do I know if I have an allergy?
If
you think you may have an allergy to any of the components of house
dust, consult a board certified allergist-immunologist. To pinpoint the
cause of your symptoms, the allergist will ask detailed questions about
your work and home environments, family medical history, frequency and
severity of symptoms, exposure to pets and a variety of other
questions. Sometimes the history will reveal obvious triggers, like
someone who develops symptoms every time they are around a certain
animal. More often though, the history may suggest triggers, but it may
not be obvious in identifying the exact ones. Sometimes the medical
history may not suggest any triggers or precipitating factors, yet
allergy may be the cause. In this case, your allergist finds out what
you are allergic to by doing skin tests. This involves either pricking
the skin (prick tests) or injecting into the skin (intradermal tests)
with different allergens and observing for a reaction. A positive
reaction (a raised welt with redness around it) may indicate that you
are allergic to that allergen. Skin testing is very sensitive and is
still the "gold standard" for identifying inhalant allergies.
Occasionally, your allergist may order a blood test in addition to the
skin test to confirm the diagnosis of allergy. The blood tests are
generally less sensitive than skin testing.
What can I do to relieve house dust allergy symptoms?
Once
the triggers of your allergies have been identified with the help of
the allergist, targeted avoidance measures are very important to
initiate. Research has confirmed that targeted avoidance (environmental
control aimed at relevant triggers) can be as effective as medications
in reducing symptoms. The usual case requires targeted avoidance,
medications prescribed by your allergist, and in many cases, specific
allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) to bring the problems under
control.
Tips for reducing allergen & particulate exposure.
1. NO SMOKING inside the home at any time. (Benefits everyone.)
2.
Measure the indoor humidity and keep it below 55% - 60%. Do not use
vaporizers or humidifiers. You may need a dehumidifier. Use vent fans
in bathrooms and when cooking to remove moisture. Repair all water
leaks. (Dust mite, cockroach, and mold allergies). Excellent references
regarding mold prevention and remediation can be found at http://www.epa.gov/mold and http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.shtml.
3.
Remove wall-to-wall carpets from the bedroom if possible. Use a central
vacuum or a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly. If you are allergic,
wear a N95 filter mask while dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming. Remember,
it takes over 2 hours for the dust to settle back down, so if possible
clean when the allergic patient is away and don't clean the bedroom at
night. (Dust mite, animal, and mold allergies, particulates)
4.
Keep pets out of the bedroom at ALL times. Consider using a HEPA Air
Cleaner in the bedroom. It is best, to remove the animal from the home.
(animal allergies)
5. Encase mattresses and pillows with "mite-proof" covers. Wash all bed linens regularly using hot water. (dust mite allergy)
6.
Do not leave out uncovered food at night. Dispose of food wastes
(including fast food wraps) in a tightly sealed garbage can. Use roach
traps. Schedule regular professional pest control utilizing integrated
pest management (IPM) methods. (Cockroach and mouse allergy, mold)
7.
Vent gas appliances and fireplaces to the outside and maintain
regularly. There is no such thing as a safe, ventless fireplace. Do not
store wood in the house. (Particulates, mold allergy)
8. If you
have an attached garage, do not start the car and let it run in the
garage, even with the garage doors open. Do not store volatile
chemicals like insecticides, gas, etc. in an attached garage.
(Particulates, VOCs)
9. Install a high efficiency media filter
with a MERV rating of 11 or 12 in the furnace and air-conditioning
unit. Leave the fan on to create a "whole house" air filter that
removes particulates. Change the filter at least every three months
(with the change of the seasons) to keep the air cleaner year round.
Have your heating and air-conditioning units inspected and serviced
every six months. (Particulates, animal mold, dust mite allergy)
10.
Your board-certified allergist is the best resource for effective help
with these issues. Many expensive, unproven products are of no benefit.
Many
types of food can cause allergic reactions in middle childhood. The
most common of these are cow's milk and other dairy products, egg
whites, poultry, seafood, wheat, nuts, soy and chocolate.
Allergies
are caused by antibodies that the body's immune system produces, which
react to a component of a particular food and then release chemicals
that cause allergic symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and
itching. Children may also experience stomach pain, bloating, cramping,
diarrhea, skin rashes and swelling. Although these reactions can occur
almost immediately after consuming these foods, they may be delayed for
hours or sometimes even days.
Diagnosing food allergies is not
easy. Identical symptoms may be caused by other disorders, and
pinpointing the offending food can be difficult. Your pediatrician may
refer your child to an allergist, who has several diagnostic options.
The allergist might suggest an elimination diet, a procedure in which
suspicious foods are removed from the diet for a period of time and
symptoms are closely monitored to see if they subside. After several
weeks the foods are reintroduced one by one, and allergic responses are
again evaluated to determine which food, if any, is really the cause of
the problem.
Your doctor might also use skin and blood tests. He
or she might prick the skin on your child's back or arm, and then
introduce a liquid extract of the suspicious food to see if a response
- swelling and itchiness, for example - takes place. However, while the
validity of this test is widely accepted in diagnosing airborne
allergies, there is controversy about its reliability in detecting food
allergies.
Some doctors also use the RAST test, in which a
sample of your child's blood is mixed with food extracts. Then the
blood is evaluated to determine whether antibodies to that food are
present. The reliability of this test may vary from laboratory to
laboratory.
Once an offending food has been identified, your
doctor will probably recommend that it be removed from your child's
diet. This means not only eliminating eggs, for example, but also all
products that contain them. As a result, you may have to become more
diligent reading labels in the supermarket. A child allergic to wheat
gluten, for instance, may have to avoid most grains, including cookies,
pies, cakes, and pasta, as well as processed cheese, salad dressings
and many other foods. The situation becomes even more challenging if
your child is allergic to several food items.
Ask your doctor to
suggest alternatives to the foods to which your child is allergic. Can
egg substitutes be used for a youngster allergic to eggs? When a child
is allergic to milk, should she eat additional protein-rich foods
(legumes, chicken, fish, meat) and calcium-rich items (sardines,
broccoli, spinach)? Can other products be consumed in place of cow's
milk? If your child is allergic to wheat, can you cook with corn flour
or rice flour instead?
Clifford W. Bassett, M.D., F.A.C.A.A.I., F.A.A.A.A.I. Diplomate, American Board of Allergy and Immunology
Affiliations Faculty: New York University School of Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine: SUNY-Health Sciences Center
Attending: ? New York University Medical Center ? NYU Downtown Hospital, New York, NY ? St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center, New York, NY ? Continuum Health Partners/The Long Island College Hospital, Bklyn, NY
Fellow: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology ? Chairman, PR Committee
Fellow: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology ? Member, Food and Adverse Reactions Committee ? Member, Sinusitis Committee ? Member, Practice Parameters Subcommittee ? Member, Public Education Committee
Executive Committee, New York Allergy and Asthma Society
Publications As an investigator in clinical trials, Dr. Bassett has published papers in: ? Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology. ? Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. ? Journal of Pediatrics. ? Chest.
He has co-authored Chapter 9, "Public Perception of Food Allergy" of a leading textbook, "Food Hypersensitivity & Adverse Reactions, A Practical Guide for Diagnosis and Management: First Edition," published by Marcel Dekker, 1999.
Presentations and Scientific Exhibits American
College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting, November
2000. "Hussain S, Bassett CW, Kaplan S, Schneider AT. Correlation
Between the Color of Cat Hair and Severity of Allergic Symptoms in
Patients with Allergic Rhinitis."
American College of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting, November 2000. "Pasternak P,
Bassett CW, Rao YAK, Schneider AT. Anaphylaxis in a Child with Food
Allergies and Wool Hypersensitivity."
American College of
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting, November 2000.
"Bassett CW, Pina D, Amara S, Silverman BA, Schneider AT. Asthma
Severity, Psychiatric Morbidity & Quality of Life: Correlation with
Inhaled Corticosteroid Dose."
American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting, March 2000. "Pasternak P,
Silverman B, Bassett C, Schneider AT. Effects of Inhaled
Corticosteroids on Growth in Children."
American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology,Annual Meeting, March 2000. "Amara S,
Pina D, Bonala S, Bassett C, Silverman B, Schneider AT. Prevalence of
Psychiatric Symptoms in a Population of Urban Adult Outpatients with
Asthma, and Their Quality of Life".
American College of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting, November 1999. "Hussain S,
Bassett CW, Silverman BS, Schneider AT. Cocaine (intranasal) Induced
Acute Urticaria and Associated Bronchospasm in a 24 Year Old Woman."
American
College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting, November
1999. "Pasternak P, Silverman B, Bassett C, Rao YAK, Schneider AT.
Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroid on Growth and Weight Velocity."
American
College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting, November
1999. "Bonala S, Reddy MB, Silverman B, Bassett C, Amara S, Rao YAK,
Schneider AT. Bone Mineral Density in Women with Asthma on Long Term
Corticosteroid Therapy."
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma
& Immunology Annual Meeting, February 1999. "Najib NM, Chowdhry IA,
Silverman BA, Vilar ME, Bassett CW, Rao YAK, Schneider AT. Skin
Sensitivity to Common Aeroallergens in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis."
American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting, February
1999. "Najib NM, Chowdhry IA, Silverman BA, Aguilar JA, Vilar ME, Amara
SR, Bassett CW, Rao YAK, Schneider AT. Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria ?
Skin Sensivitiy to Common Aeroallergens."
American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting, March 1998. "Reddy
ABM, Vilar ME, Silverman BA, Bassett CW, Rao YAK, Chiaramonte LT,
Schneider AT: Osteoporosis Among Adult Asthma Patients Receiving
Chronic Corticosteroid Therapy."
American College of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting, November 1998. Oral
Presentation. "Vilar ME, Silverman B, Bassett C, Rao YAK, Schneider AT.
Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis as Presenting Sign of Cystic Fibrosis in
an Elderly Man."
American College of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology, Annual Meeting, November 1998. Oral Presentation. "Najib
NM, Chowdhry IA, Silverman B, Bassett C, Rao YAK, Schneider AT.
Exposure and Skin Sensitivity to the Severity of Asthma in Inner-City
Asthmatics."
American College of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology, Annual Meeting, November 1998. "Najib NM, Chowdhry IA,
Aguilar JA, Silverman B, Bassett C, Rao YAK, Schneider AT. Noncompliant
Adolescent with Hereditary Angioedema Required Tracheostomy."
American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting March 1998.
"Vilar ME, Reddy BM, Silverman BA, Bassett CW, Chiaramonte LT,
Schneider AT. Osteoporosis Among Adult Asthma Patients Receiving
Chronic Corticosteroid Therapy."
American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting February 1997. "Vilar ME, Reddy
BM, Silverman BA, Bassett CW, Chiaramonte LT, Schneider AT.
Retrospective Analysis of an Allergy/Asthma Treatment Program in Inner
City Asthma Patients."
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology, Annual Meeting February 1997. "Wheeler GA, Bassett CW,
Silverman BA, Chiaramonte LT. Isolated Depressed C4 Level in a Patient
with Physical Urticaria."
American College of Allergy, Asthma
& Immunology, Annual Meeting, November 1996. "Reddy BM, Chiramonte
LT, Silverman B, Bassett CW. Clinical Characteristics of Urticaria in
an Inner City Population."
American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting March 1994. "Talusan-Canlas E,
Bassett CW, Dolan C. Emergency Room Utilization by Asthmatics in an
Urban Hospital."
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology, Annual Meeting March 1994. "Bassett CW, Talusan-Canlas,
Hotlin L, Kumar S. An Adverse Reaction to Propofol in a Patient with
Egg Hypersensitivity."
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma,
& Immunology, Annual Meeting, March 1998. "Chowdhry A, Najib NM,
Silverman BA, Bassett CW, Schneider AT: Skin Sensitivity to Common
Aeroallergens in Inner City Asthmatics."
American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting November 1993. "Fear
and Loneliness in Asthma: A Psychodynamic Perspective."
American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting November
1993. "Streptococcal Tonsillitis Masquerading as Acute Allergic
Urticaria."
World Congress of Chest Physicians, Annual Meeting June 1993. "Correlation of Asthma and Severe Anxiety."
American
College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting March 1993.
"Demographic Analysis of Urban Asthma in Brooklyn, New York".
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting 1992. "Asthma and Anxiety: A New Look."
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Annual Meeting 1992. "Public Perception of Food Allergy."
International Life Sciences Institutes 1992 Symposium of "Food Allergy and the Lung. " and "Public Perception of Food Allergy."
Published Papers Puvvada L, Silverman B, Bassett CW, Chiaramonte LT. "Systemic Reactions to MMR Skin Testing." Pediatrics: 91:835:1993.
Bonala
SB, Reddy BM, Silverman BA, Bassett CW, Rao YAK, Amara S, Schneider AT.
"Bone Mineral Density in Women with Asthma on Long Term Inhaled
Corticosteroid Therapy." Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:
85:2000.
Vilar ME, Najib NM, Bassett CW, Silverman BA, Schneider
AT, Giusti RT, Rosa UW. "Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis as
Presenting Sign of Cystic Fibrosis in an Elderly Man." Annals of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: 85:70:2000.
Vilar ME, Reddy BM,
Bassett CW, Silverman BA, Schneider AT, Rao YAK. "Superior Clinical
Outcomes of Inner City Asthma Patients Treated in an Allergy Clinic."
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: 84:299:2000.
Bonala S,
Reddy MB, Silverman B, Bassett C, Amara s, Rao YAK, Schneider AT. "Bone
Mineral Density in Women with Asthma on Long Term Inhaled
Corticosteroid Therapy." Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:
84:138:2000.
Pasternak PL, Silverman BA, Bassett CW, Schneider
AT. "Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Growth and Weight Velocity."
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: 84:160:2000.
Amara S,
Pina D, Bonala S, Bassett CW, Silverman BA, Schneider AT. Abstract.
"Prevalence of Psychiatric Symptoms in a Population of Urban Adult
Outpatients with Asthma and Their Quality of Life." Journal of Allergy,
Asthma and Clinical Immunology: 105:S105:2000.
Pasternak PL,
Silverman BA, Bassett CW, Schneider AT. Abstract. "Effects of Inhaled
Corticosteroids on Growth in Children." Journal of Allergy and Clinical
Immunology: 105: S105:2000.
Chowdhry
IA, Aguilar JA, Najib NM, Vilar ME, Vilar ME, Silverman BA, Bassett CW,
Rao YAK, Schneider AT. Abstract "Skin Test Sensitivity to Common
Aeroallergens in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis." JACI 103:S24:1999.
Chowdhry
IA, Najib NM, Vilar ME, Silverman BA, Bassett CW, Schneider AT.
Abstract "Correlation of Pet Exposure and Skin Test Sensitivity to the
Severity of Inner City Asthmatics." Annals of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology. 82:101:1999.
Reddy BM, Vilar MB, Silverman MA,
Bassett CW, Schneider At. Abstract "Bone Mineral Density in Women with
Asthma on Long Term Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy." JACI 103:S229:1999.
Aguilar JA, Chowdhry IA, Najib NM, Silverman BS,
Bassett CW, Schneider AT. Abstract. "Allergy to Common Aeroallergens in
Asthmatics." JACI 101:750:1998.
Vilar ME, Reddy BM, Silverman
BA, Bassett C et al. "Comparison of Health-Related Quality of Life in
Inner City Asthma Patients Followed and Those Not Followed in an Asthma
Center." JACI, January 1998.
Chowdhry JA, Najib NM, Silverman
BA, Bassett C et. al. "Skin Sensitivity to Common Aeroallergens in
Inner City Asthmatics." JACI, January 1998.
Vilar ME, Bassett C,
Rao YAK, Chiaramonte LT. Abstract. "A 71 Year Old Woman with Cutaneous
Eruption After Taking One Dose of Cefprozil." Annals of Allergy, 1997.
Reddy
BM, Bassett C, Silverman B, Chiaramonte LT. Abstract. "Retrospective
Analysis: Clinical Characteristics of Urticaria in an Inner City
Population." Pending publication, Annals of Allergy, 1997.
Vilar
ME, Reddy BM, Bassett C, Silverman B, Chiaramonte LT. Abstract:
Retrospective Analysis of an Allergy and Asthma Treatment Program in
Inner City Asthma Patients. Pending Publication, JACI, 1997.
Wheeler
GA, Bassett C, Silverman B, Chiaramonte LT. Abstract. "Isolated
Depressed C4 Level in a Patient with Physical Urticaria." JACI, 1997.
Bassett
C, Talusan E, Holtzin L, Kumar S. Abstract. "An Adverse Reaction to
Propofol in a Patient with Egg Hypersensitivity." Accepted for
publication in JACI 1994.
Talusan E, Tio R, Bassett C, Dolan C,
Chiaramonte LT. Abstract. "Emergency Room Utilization by Asthmatics in
an Urban Hospital." Accepted for publication in JACI 1994.
Tio
R, Schwartz L, Talusan E, Silverman B, Bassett C. Abstract. "Seasonal
variation in cockroach skin reactivity." Accepted for publication in
Annals of Allergy 1993.
Schwartz L, Tio R, Indaram J, Bassett C,
Silverman B. Abstract. "Is House Dust Immunotherapy Obsolete?" Accepted
for publication in Annals of Allergy 1993.
Puuvada L, Silverman
B, Bassett C, Chiaramonte LT. Abstract. "Systemic Reactions to MMR Skin
Testing." Pediatrics Volume 91, April 1993.
Bassett C, Talusan E, Silverman B, Chiaramonte LT. Abstract. "Correlation of Asthma and Severe Anxiety." Chest, 1993.
Bassett C, Wolfsohn R. Abstract. "Asthma and Anxiety. A New Look." Annals of Allergy, 1993.
Diplomate, American Board of Allergy and Immunology Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics
Same locations and phone numbers as for Dr. Bassett.
Dr. Michael Raffinan, Diplomate Board of Family Medicine
Dr.
Raffinan is a family physician who treats patients of all ages for
their general medical care needs, such as physicals, preventive health
screenings, well woman/gyn exams, child health exams, std screening,
sick visits, vaccinations routine and travel.
He has built a
reputation of excellent medical care and availability. In Washington,
D.C. Dr. Raffinan was recognized as one of the top physicians in the
Washington, D. C./Baltimore area by a the D.C. regional magazine, The
Washingtonian (similar to New York Magazine).
His office
offers same day appointments as well as advanced scheduled
appointments. His office and staff use technology to deliver more
efficient care, using electronic medical records, online scheduling,
refills, and patient portal to obtain results and notes from prior
visits.
His approach is to focus on you as the patient and how
to get the best health and the best care. For more information, please
just ask or check the website.
Beat the clock. Do
not exercise outdoors between 5 a.m. And 10 a.m. Wait until early
evening when pollen counts are typically lower, or ideally exercise
indoors on high pollen days. Pollen levels rise on dry, windy days are
lower on wet, cloudy and windless days.
Check the pollen count. Websites
such as www.aaaai.org (american academy of allergy, asthma and
immunology national allergy bureau) will provide you with your
neighborhood allergy forecast.
Wash wisely. Shower and
shampoo your hair every night, and change your clothing before entering
your bedroom to remove pollen that collects during the day.
Clear the air. At
home or when driving, keep windows closed and set air conditioner on
re-circulate to keep out the pollens. Also, do not forget to change or
wash air conditioner filters frequently.
Avoid cross-reactions. Ingesting
foods such as apple, carrot, pears, hazelnut may cause an allergy
reaction (tingling of the mouth, itchy throat) if you have seasonal
pollen allergies due to a cross-reaction between the proteins in these
fruits and the pollens.
Vacation by the sea. Take a vacation by the beach or sea as pollen counts are often lower.
Block your eyes. Wear sunglasses to block pollens from getting into your eyes.
