HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Over the past few weeks, the Valley has experienced heavy rain and flooding in the area. However, heavy rain can harm not only your home but also your health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stormy weather can cause or worsen health conditions. Individuals living in damp indoor environments can experience an increased prevalence of asthma and other upper respiratory tract symptoms. This relates to coughing and wheezing, as well as lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and RSV pneumonia.
Dr. Kristin Hom, DO, a pulmonary physician at Sentara RMH Medical Center, said that although rain can help alleviate specific allergies by reducing pollen, for others, prolonged rain can exacerbate health and respiratory conditions. Many residents may not be affected until a later point, she said, as dampness accumulates in their homes over time.
“We see more of these problems much later on, after the flooding occurs, you’ll see like weeks to months and even occasionally years,” Hom said. “Especially in homes that have been flooded before, they have moisture problems and mold problems, which will propagate, and those patients tend to have worsening asthma flares, COPD problems, and even problems with lung disease like hypersensitivity pneumonitis.”
Hom said that those with respiratory conditions should ensure they have their medications and backup medications, like inhalers, at all times, especially now that there’s an increase in rain and flooding in the area. Outside of medications, Hom suggested that those affected by the storms should find a way to remove any moisture from their homes or consider relocating to a drier environment.
“Try to stay in a dry environment as best as possible. If they know a lot of rain is coming, make sure your homes are protected, so that the chances of water damage are less,” Hom said. “Your basement spaces are already dry, and if that’s not possible, then try to get to a dry location.
Hom said those who are from more urban areas or those who are in social determinants of health — environmental conditions in which people live, work and age — have been seen to suffer the most from respiratory conditions, as well as older and younger people.
“It’s been established in literature that people from lower socioeconomic status tend to have higher prevalence of asthma and worse outcomes, generally due to the lack of ability to get away from their allergens,” Hom said.
Hom’s advice for those experiencing these health issues due to excessive rain is to stay on top of using your inhaler, identify your triggers, and if those measures aren’t working, know when to go to the emergency room.
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