The numbers of people who have asthma is on the rise. Many of these people have allergic asthma, but not all do. Experts have theorized that global warming & other climate changes may be influencing asthma. But what are the facts?

A recent podcast sponsored by AAFA and Revolution Health brought together a panel of experts that delved further into this issue. The panel included:

• Gregg Mitman, author of Breathing Space (recent book on global climate change and the changing allergy landscape) and a medical historian at University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Mike Tringale, Director of External Affairs of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
• Dr. Jeffrey Wald, MD, Kansas City Allergy and Asthma Associates

Ideas discussed in the podcast include:

• There has been discussion in medical and scientific circles about how changing weather patterns due to global warming are leading to an earlier start to allergy season. Has this been observed or is it still theoretical?
• What do the skeptics most often say in response to claims of links between climate change and asthma?
• Are there any particularly strong arguments against these links?
• What are some of the environmental factors that impact asthma rates?
• What is the link between allergic asthma, IgE and climate change?

I listened to the podcast, and it was quite intriguing. So, if you have an interest in how changes in our environment may be influencing the frequency and severity of asthma, you may want to take a listen.

Learn More About Topics Discussed in the Podcast:

• Listen to the Climate Change Podcast (scroll down)
• Asthma Triggers - Allergens to Environmental Irritants
• Controlling Your Indoor Environment
• Inhaled Steroids - Most Effective Asthma Medicines