Summertime is the season of sun and fun. However, for many individuals who have ozone allergies (or intolerance), summer brings a host of challenges. Ozone is a colorless gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It’s produced during hot, clear sunny days and Tulsa now has lots of that. At high altitudes, ozone is a vital part of the earth’s atmosphere as it prevents harmful ultraviolet radiation from entering the earth’s surface. Lack of ozone at these high altitudes can be bad: however, at ground level, ozone can be harmful to our health, and prolonged exposure to high levels of ozone can have serious adverse effects. In this blog, we will explore the hidden dangers of ozone and how we can cope with ozone allergies during the summer season. But first how do you know if ozone is even elevated where you live. Below is a screen shot of AccuWeather’s daily ozone report; we don’t do very well in Tulsa with ozone or particulate matter (PM) scores.
Understanding the Health Effects of Ozone:
Ozone can have significant adverse effects on our health, particularly if we are exposed to high ozone levels for a prolonged period. The following are some symptoms we might experience if we have ozone allergies (or intolerance):
Wheezing and coughing
Shortness of breath and chest pain
Throat irritation
Fatigue
Headaches
So what do I have ozone irritation or seasonal allergies? Here’s some helpful tips to distinguish between the two:
- Pollen allergy usually lasts at least several weeks while pollen is in the atmosphere. As you can see from following the ozone report, cloudy days result in a precipitous drop in ozone and your symptoms should follow this pattern. Of course, you’ll need to track both the pollen & ozone counts to correlate with your symptoms.
- If you have grass pollen allergy (which is high now), you’re very likely to have other allergens that give you problems during the Spring & Fall. Ozone is most prevalent during the hot summer months and shouldn’t cause Fall rhinitis.
- Test, test, test. Skin testing or blood work can detect IgE to pollens, mold, and dust to confirm inhalant allergies. Ozone is an irritant and there is no detectable IgE to ozone, meaning negative testing for allergy is more likely to indicate ozone sensitivity.
Why is ozone important for patients with allergy or asthma? It’s a well known fact that people who suffer from asthma or have allergies are more susceptible to any irritation, including ozone sensitivity. When ozone concentrations in the air are high, it can cause inflammation in the lungs and airways, which triggers asthma. Ozone sensitivity can also develop due to prolonged exposure to air pollution, such as smog and vehicle exhaust. Fresh air is good, but can sometimes cause you distress.
- To keep ozone allergies under control, here are a few things you can do:
- Stay Indoors: On days when the ozone levels are high, try to avoid going outdoors unless necessary.
- Use an Air Filter: Installing high-efficiency particulate air filters can remove harmful pollutants, including ozone, from the indoor air. Be careful here with air filters using a “clean fresh smell” to the output. That smell may very well be low dose ozone!
- Keep the Home Clean: Clean your home regularly and avoid using harsh chemicals and toxic cleaners.
- Wear a mask: Wearing a mask can help filter out any pollutants you might be breathing in while outside. Ever wonder why masks have always been used in Chinese smog filled cities? (this has nothing to do with COVID-19)
- Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the air quality index in your area and plan your activities accordingly.
Treatment of Ozone Allergies:
If you have ozone allergies, there are several treatment options available to relieve your symptoms. These include:
Allergy Shots: A doctor can prescribe allergy shots that contain allergens designed to make your body less sensitive over time. Don’t get me wrong, allergy shots have no benefit for ozone sensitivity, but shots do help with grass allergy that competes with ozone as your misery index.
Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators are inhalers that help open up the airways to relieve breathing difficulties. Regardless of the cause of wheezing or shortness of breath, bronchodilator inhalers can be helpful to relieve the discomfort. Inhaled corticosteroids will do the same for long-term control of airway inflammation.
Allergy Medications: There are several over-the-counter allergy medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays that can help relieve symptoms. We really don’t know much about the use of biologicals for treating ozone sensitivity, but I’m sure studies are just around the corner.
In conclusion, ozone allergies (or sensitivity) are a severe health concern, and it’s essential to stay informed, educated, and adopt measures to reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants. By understanding the risks, identifying the triggers, and adopting healthy habits, you can effectively deal with ozone allergies and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle all year long!
TulsaAllergyNews 