...and breathin' and breathing...Air in our Pollen Nation... Sneezin'...Weezin'...Oh Geezin'...

Caught your breath? Gave you a few days to catch your breath between posts. Thought you were in the clear after listening to Arian Grande, did you? Well, I thought so too until I came across some additional information that I felt was important as an attachment to June 6th, as well as some additional thoughts on this whole issue of oxygen and breathing that at least a few of you might find of interest...PLUS I'm trying to make up for my neglect of May being Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month...

Obstructionists on the rise - allergies, asthma: Anyone who has their air intake obstructed by either of these two breathing conditions are more acutely aware than others, that there has been a rise in asthma and allergies over the past few decades -- the CDC (sure getting familiar with these folks, eh?) reports that 1 in 12 has asthma, which reflects a 28% increase from 2001 to 2011. You, whether you suffer from one, both or none, may wonder what allergies and asthma have in common. In addition to making one miserable, it turns out there's a lot of common ground, I mean air...they frequently occur in tandem, sort of one, two punch, taking the wind right out of ya'...the same substances that your allergic rhinitis symptoms (e.g., pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc.) may also cause asthma signs and symptoms. Further, in a subset of us, skin or food allergies can in turn trigger asthmatic symptoms...

Usual, unusual suspects: In addition to theories regarding the rise in airborne pollens, climate changes that trigger a rise in pollen levels, energy-proofing of indoor home and work spaces, urban air pollution, and overuse of antibiotics. In children, there is particular concern regarding the link between obesity and these conditions, and the theory that actual over-sanitizing a child's environment and converse under-exposure to 'natural' substances may lead to decreased resistance. The many lifestyle changes throughout the pandemic, as well as the recent changes in our collective environment are subjects of ongoing study, and the data is far from complete...don't hold your breath waiting for a definitive statement from the CDC; it's likely to be a while and a lot to take in, enough to make the air a bit dense...

First, second, third responders: When it comes to specific conditions that either cause breathing problems or the parts involved, we are fortunate to have people who have devoted themselves to studying these life sustaining functions, ranging from respiratory therapists (who found themselves in the thick of COVID cases and at high risk themselves, a debt of gratitude to all of them), to pulmonologists, and allergists. Depending on your symptoms and condition, you have become familiar with one or all of these. And we psychologists may also help you to focus on breathing as both a symptom and cause when under stress...

Long winded and short on substance:  Filibusterers!