Seniors face risks of asthma

Asthma in seniors is a common concern
that is often forgotten, a study finds.

A new study shows that older adults with asthma often face major health problems that are often misdiagnosed or under-treated.

People over 65 that are hospitalized with asthma are 14 times more likely to die from asthma than younger adults. They are also at increased risk of impaired lung function and worse quality of life.

Researchers suggest that seniors are often misdiagnosed when it comes to asthma because the symptoms (shortness of breath, tightness in chest) are more likely to be attributed to being older, out of shape or the heart.

The study found that only 53% of older adults with asthma reported using a steroid inhaler in the month prior, which is used to control asthma.

A large percentage of the study participants with asthma also suffered from allergies to mold, animals and dust mites.

The findings were published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Source: WebMD

Air purifiers for asthma and allergies

Anyone affected by asthma or allergies can benefit from breathing cleaner and healthier air, especially in their bedroom.

A portable air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon as well as optional UV germicidal filtration will provide the most complete filtration system to handle the widest range of contaminants.

The HEPA filter takes care of particles and dust, including pet dander, dust mites, mold spores and other biological particles. The activated carbon removes airborne chemicals, gases, fumes and odors, which often aggravate asthma and allergy reactions (or cause them in the first place). The UV lamp helps neutralize contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

Contact AllerAir for more information and a personalized recommendation.
  

Chemical exposure ups risk of diabetes for seniors

Researchers linked diabetes with the presence of
phthalates (found in household products and cosmetics)

Swedish researchers have found a link between serum levels of phthalate metabolites and type 2 diabetes in the elderly.

It is difficult for seniors to avoid phthalates completely, since they are found in a wide range of household items, including medical devices, intravenous tubing, food packaging, furniture and toys.

They are also commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

In the Swedish cohort study, the risk for diabetes was high with the presence of monoethyl phthalate (MEP) as well as monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP).

The scientists examined more than 1,000 elderly participants and adjusted for sex, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, body mass index, smoking, exercise and education as other risk factors for diabetes, but the link between phthalates and the disease remained significant.

Diabetes was identified in 119 individuals.

Three of the most common phthalates detected in the seniors are used in personal care products, while one of them is generally used to increase the flexibility of plastic.

The study findings were published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.

Source: MedPage Today

Reduce chemical exposure in the home

Seniors and children belong to the most vulnerable groups when it comes to airborne contaminants.

Unfortunately, many homes are 2-5 times as polluted as outdoor air, and the indoor air pollution could affect the health and well-being of residents.

Healthy lifestyle choices, source control, ventilation and air cleaning can help reduce the risks.

AllerAir offers portable and powerful air purifiers for the home that can remove the widest range of indoor contaminants – including chemicals, gases, odors, mold, bacteria, viruses, particles and dust.

With long-lasting activated carbon and HEPA filters, AllerAir’s air purifiers help provide cleaner air as well as peace of mind.

For more information, contact AllerAir.