Pediatrician's word on Phoenix area/childrens' asthma (Scottsdale, Gilbert: rental car, real estate)

[fabumom07]

I posted a few weeks ago as a mom considering how a relocation to the Phoenix/Gilbert area would affect the asthma and allergy issues of two of my four children. I was offered lots of opinions and did some more research. My conclusion? Six of one/ half dozen of another. That's a midwestern term ya'll.
In my research I discovered that the air quality where I live ( Ft Wayne,IN) received a grade of F. Sorry I can't cite the source, I viewed many government websites. Phoenix also got a grade of F, but the airborne particle count was double that in my area. I had assumed that farm chemicals and pollen/ragweed etc. as well as the weather were the culprit, but perhaps I had overlooked pollution in my area. After all, this isn't Gary or Indy. The air here seemed fresh and clean.
I visited last weekend while my husband was there (in Scottsdale)for work . I was the confused lady in the rental car driving up and down Scottsdale Rd when a sinus headache eliminated all ability to distinguish one adobe /tile roofed resort/ hotel from another. Still, I fell in love with many things about the area.Today, I took my son in for a recheck for his wheezing with his pediatrician ,whose opinion I value.I ventured to ask his opinion on a possible relocation to Arizona. My son's doctor asked what part of Arizona, and was familiar with the valley area of Phoenix/Scottsdale .He responded as many of you did that, years ago, the area improved conditions for many sufferers, but that pollution had negated many of these affects. He said that we may see an initial improvement but that new allergies could develop. I suspect my sinuses would take some time to adjust, thank goodness for Flonase.
In the end I have concluded as my doctor did that the final result on health would be difficult to predict, and therefore not the over-riding factor . It would be great to consider Prescott or Flagstaff, where the air is better, but my husband needs good work opportunity in the computer software field to support his family. Next step is to visit in July or August and see how long it takes for mommy to pass out from the heat. I've literally been shivering since December half the time , but it's hard to ignore all the posts that compare Phoenix to Hades and I wonder how much it would cost to air condition a 3000 sq foot house if we are lucky enough to afford one. By the way, I mentioned seasonal affect disorder (basically the blues from lack of sunlight) in my last post. Has anyone seen the effects of four months of excessive heat on mood or sanity ? Some of the posts worry me , but at least you can drive a few horurs away for relief. Here you have to get on a plane and go far to feel the sun again.

[sablebaby]

Thanks for the update!

There has been a thread or two about SAD during our summers. You may want to search for that. I believe it depends on the person. If you like the sun and the HEAT, then it may not bother you and you'll be out and about. If you can't stand the heat then you'll be sitting in your house for 4, 5, or 6 months. The only benefit would be no snow to shovel to get to your car in the summer. I've been here almost 33 yrs and I don't like our heat. It seems to get hotter every year and the summers are lasting longer - almost to Halloween.

I truly believe that people are irritable more in the summer as it's just too hot to be nice.

[AZgarden]

Averaged a little over $100 per month for a 1776 sf house. The highest bill was in July and was $201. Total for the year: $1300. Not that bad.
What I hate is being cooped up in the house. Just like being snow bound. Only its heat, not cold outside. My daughter has SAD and is cured by living here. Came from Chicago 7 years ago...

[fabumom07]

Thanks Sable and Barb. My oldest daughter has SAD I,m pretty sure, and my husband to some extent. I just keep getting colder n older.Oh, does anyone know what "refrigeration" is as an A/C method. I've seen it on some real estate postings.

[sweettearose]

I would have difficult time accepting the advice of a physician who doesn't even live or practice in Phoenix let alone Arizona? Your doctor may be familiar with the area but he doesn't practice medicine here. A much better source would be to consult a board certified Allergy/Immunology specialist who has practiced in the Phoenix metropolitan area for a number of years. Pediatricians refer to Allergists so they are much better qualifed to answer this question. Before you judge how your child would react in Phoenix, don't you think it's at least worth your time to speak to most qualified person practicing in the area you are considering? After all, that person sees patients living in the area you are interested in and would better be able to provide you his professional opinion on the impact of pollution here?

Also, people can be allergic or develop asthma to different substances or conditions. My son and I have exercise induced asthma so cold weather really affects us and my airways start to constrict upon exposure to the cold. This is why we breathe so much better in Arizona. I can still snow skii but I have to bring an inhaler just in case. Pollution doesn't impact everyone the same way. I've had no trouble breating due to the pollution levels.

[fabumom07]

Sure, I think that's a good idea. I thought of calling an allergist in the area when(before) we are ready to make any serious changes in our life. What my pediatrician explained is that no one can really tell you exactly how you may react to certain condition, and my children are already experiencing symptoms from the triggers in our environment. Lots of people in my area have allergies due to the stuff in the air I have mentioned, as well as the cold induced asthma. In my case my children have the mild wheezy, sniffly variety, unlike some kids or adults who may have specific known triggers such as pets,soy, dairy, etc. I would do more research before making any decisions, because thats how I like to do things, but I really think it would come down to trading one set of irritants for another.In short, Sweettea, I agree with you to get a local opinion, but I don't think I will really be able to judge how my kids will do. If we were living in an area that had good air quality, our decision would be easier. I did research Valley Fever, and based on what I read, I would avoid living in a more dusty area such as a new construction neighborhood. We built 3 years ago and found that lots of dirt gets on everything.
IMO and probably everyone 's the biggest issue in Phoenix area is the long term effects of pollution on your lung capacity and overall health. I think living there for a lifetime may have long term affects, even if you don't notice them . I just think in my kid's case, no one is going to be able to provide me with a probable outcome for , say, the next five years. My honest guess is less wheezing, new and different infections and allergies.I have learned that the days of big improvements from moving to your area are over,sadly.
By the way my 14 year old is up in bed right now, and won't go to school . She gets like this every Jan- March. I tried pouring water on her last year as well as having the school counselors come out, but she just cried and wouldn't move. Antidepressants are risky in teens, and she's fine the rest of the year. SADD is a real disorder, and I have to weigh that with everything else. When you have four children, your heart goes out in a lot of different directions.
For now, we're staying put and checking things out.

[AZgarden]

Well, I don't think pouring water on a SAD victim is the answer. Have you tried a light box? This helps alot of people with SAD. And exercise and movement will definitely help also. Do you have a treadmill at home? She needs to be out of the bed. I have a background in psych nursing and I know she ought not to be allowed to remain in bed. Get her moving!!! There are also some other meds besides antidepressants that might help. In my daughters case, she went on a birth control pill that helped an awful lot. She only has one period every 3 months now. Made a world of difference in her moods.

[sweettearose]

Originally Posted by fabumom07

Sure, I think that's a good idea. I thought of calling an allergist in the area when(before) we are ready to make any serious changes in our life. What my pediatrician explained is that no one can really tell you exactly how you may react to certain condition, and my children are already experiencing symptoms from the triggers in our environment. Lots of people in my area have allergies due to the stuff in the air I have mentioned, as well as the cold induced asthma. In my case my children have the mild wheezy, sniffly variety, unlike some kids or adults who may have specific known triggers such as pets,soy, dairy, etc. I would do more research before making any decisions, because thats how I like to do things, but I really think it would come down to trading one set of irritants for another.In short, Sweettea, I agree with you to get a local opinion, but I don't think I will really be able to judge how my kids will do. If we were living in an area that had good air quality, our decision would be easier. I did research Valley Fever, and based on what I read, I would avoid living in a more dusty area such as a new construction neighborhood. We built 3 years ago and found that lots of dirt gets on everything.
IMO and probably everyone 's the biggest issue in Phoenix area is the long term effects of pollution on your lung capacity and overall health. I think living there for a lifetime may have long term affects, even if you don't notice them . I just think in my kid's case, no one is going to be able to provide me with a probable outcome for , say, the next five years. My honest guess is less wheezing, new and different infections and allergies.I have learned that the days of big improvements from moving to your area are over,sadly.
By the way my 14 year old is up in bed right now, and won't go to school . She gets like this every Jan- March. I tried pouring water on her last year as well as having the school counselors come out, but she just cried and wouldn't move. Antidepressants are risky in teens, and she's fine the rest of the year. SADD is a real disorder, and I have to weigh that with everything else. When you have four children, your heart goes out in a lot of different directions.
For now, we're staying put and checking things out.

I think you make valid points but remember that nearly every large city in this country will have pollution. Some cities like Phoenix might have more obviously. But if your children's health is your primary concern, I would probably consider moving to a place like Oregon. Portland is a really clean city with a lot of trees and greenery. It doesn't get too cold either.

You should also consider Albuquerque, NM. It's a much tinier version of Phoenix and it's much cleaner. It also doesn't get as hot. And Albuquerque isn't growing at a crazy rate like Phoenix so I don't think you have to fear pollution becoming a problem.

The pollution in Phoenix will only get worse as the population continues to grow. It's surrounded by mountains hence the nickname "the valley" so it contains that smog and pollution.

I personally don't feel or sense the pollution as I do in other cities. The air smells clean. That doesn't mean pollution isn't present but the air doesn't smell gross like in New Jersey, Philadephia, LA, Houston and Atlanta.

[fabumom07]

Gee whiz ladies, if I wanted to be sooo patronized, I would just call my mom. Fabumom has left the building. Maybe if I come back as Frazzlemom I'll get a more sympathetic ear.

[AZgarden]

No offense but gee whiz, we were only trying to be helpful and maybe offer some alternatives. Isn't that what these message boards are for????