1 / 14

Take Care of Your Health This Season - With one of worst allergy seasons expected to come along this spring, asthma and allergy sufferers across the nation are preparing for the “wheezing and sneezing.” BET.com talked with Robin Wilson, an ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about how allergies and asthma affect the African-American community and things you can do to reduce attacks. —Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

2 / 14

What Are Allergies? - Allergies is a disease of the immune system that causes an overreaction to “allergens.” A person can have indoor or outdoor allergies. But during spring when warmer weather arrives and people start doing more outdoor activities, people tend to have more issues controlling symptoms.(Photo: Sean Justice/Getty Images)

3 / 14

What Is Asthma? - An asthma attack is an exacerbation of the airways in which they become inflamed and swollen, making it hard to breath. “You are essentially suffocating,” said Wilson, who has struggled with asthma since she was diagnosed as a child. “Your bronchial tubes narrow, limiting the flow of oxygen.”(Photo: Oakland Tribune/MCT/Landov)

4 / 14

How Many People Are Affected By Allergies and Asthma? - Asthma is a serious epidemic that claims approximately 5,000 lives each year in the United States. The risk of dying from asthma-related causes is three times higher for African-Americans than for whites, and Blacks have a 20 percent higher chance of having the disease in the first place. One in four African-Americans in urban communities suffers from asthma and one in six suffers from allergies. Additionally, one in nine suffers from both, according to Wilson.(Photo: Fuse/Getty Images)

5 / 14

What Can Trigger an Asthma Attack? - “In urban areas, asthma is said to be caused by buildings with old central ventilation systems, which lead to second-hand smoke exposure, cockroaches, toxic fumes such as diesel or gasoline,” Wilson said. In suburban areas pollen, pet dander, mold and respiratory infection can ignite an attack as well.(Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

6 / 14

How Does Asthma Affect the African-American Community? - African-Americans are three times more likely than any other group to die or be hospitalized for asthma. Black American women have the highest asthma mortality rate of all, more than 2.5 times higher than white women. (Photo: Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT /Landov)

7 / 14

Is There a Cure? - “Most people do not know that there is no cure for asthma,” Wilson said. “The disease can go dormant, but once you are diagnosed with asthma, it is for life.” Allergies cannot be cured either, but both conditions are manageable if prevention methods are taken.(Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

8 / 14

Are Allergy Symptoms and Asthma Related? - You can have allergies without having asthma, but if you have asthma, seasonal allergies will certainly affect you. Springtime allergy symptoms may include runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, hives and congestion.(Photo: Peter Glass/Getty Images)

9 / 14

Pet Lovers Beware - All dogs have a protein called Can F1, which can pose as an allergen for humans. Although Poodles, Labradoodles and Yorkshire terriers are all considered hypoallergenic because they don’t shed hair, there is no scientific evidence to prove that their hormone levels are lower. If you come in contact with a friendly pooch, wash your hands after interacting with the animal.(Photo: Graeme Robertson/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Graeme Robertson/Getty Images

10 / 14

Allergy Prevention Methods for New Moms - “Parents should make sure they clean nurseries thoroughly with a green or diluted bleach solution,” said Wilson, who has an 18-month-old daughter herself. She also suggests getting rid of the carpet and opting for washable rug tiles, as well as purchasing an eco-friendly crib and other furniture that is carcinogen-free.(Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill)

11 / 14

Reducing Asthma Attacks - Asthma can be controlled in many ways, including by diet.  “People who have asthma should avoid eating dairy and sulfates,” Wilson said. Sulfates can be found in wine, dried fruits, pickles, and fresh and frozen shrimp.(Photo: David Silverman/Getty Images)

12 / 14

Keeping the Air Clean - Air fresheners will not clean the air. They are full of chemicals like formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene and alcohols, all of which can trigger an allergic reaction or asthma attack. Try hypoallergenic sprays such as Endust, which is certified by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Humidifiers and vaporizers also can help improve the air quality in your home.(Photo: Tim Oram/Getty Images)

13 / 14

What Other Hypoallergenic Products Should I Buy? - Wilson created a line of hypoallergenic home products, including pillows, mattress pads and comforters. The Robin Wilson Home collection is available at Bed, Bath & Beyond. She also recommends purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency particulate air or HEPA filter, to catch the smallest particles that otherwise can be spewed back into the air.  (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images)

14 / 14

Other Prevention Methods - Make an appointment with your allergist for recommendations on how to take care of your symptoms or visit your local pharmacy to grab antihistamines such as Claritin-D or Allegra. Always make sure you wash your hands and face thoroughly to clean off the pollen. Also try a Neti Pot or saline solution to flush irritated silica in your nasal passages. Visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America for more information here.(Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)