Asthmatics--Beware Florida's Red Tide

Snowbirds and other Florida bound RVers, beware the red tide. While most folks are only slightly bothered by this bloomin' ocean organism, those who have asthma can create real health issues.

An article appearing in CHEST, a medical journal published by chest physicians, warns that just breathing in the airborne mists from the Florida red tide can increase asthma symptoms.

"In the normal population, inhaled aerosolized red tide toxins can lead to eye irritation, rhinorrhea, nonproductive cough, and wheezing. However, these symptoms usually subside after leaving beach areas," said study author Lora E. Fleming, MD, PhD, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miami, FL. "Our study shows that Florida red tide toxins may have a greater impact on patients with asthma, who experienced respiratory problems and decreased lung function after just one hour of beach exposure to the toxins."

Research indicated that during exposure to Red tide aerosols, asthma patients may have a significant increase in symptoms, predominantly chest tightness, and lung function. Asthmatics who used medication prior to exposure to the bloom didn't appear to be any better off than than those who took no medications. The study's coauthor Barbara Kirkpatrick, EdD, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida warns, "People with asthma, whether residents or tourists, need to be aware of the Florida red tides and their potential to exacerbate asthma, as well as their own personal reaction to Florida red tides." Florida residents and tourists can stay informed of Florida red tide conditions by checking with local environmental groups, including the Florida
Department of Health. For online information, visit Uncle Sam's red tide tracking site.