Dr. Clifford Bassett, Allergist & Author The New Allergy Solution
This week (June 11th – 17th) is Men’s Health Week! The goal is to raise awareness about health issues that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to take control of their health, whether that means eating consciously or learning to manage stress. In honor of the occasion, I interviewed some of the most powerful and inspiring guys I know. Some are in the health and wellness industry, some are not, but all have motivating stories and sage advice to share.
Dr. Clifford Bassett, MD is the founder and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York and author of The New Allergy Solution. 
He stands out in his field for his comprehensive approach to his patients’ issues. Instead of just treating symptoms, he gets to the root of the problem to better manage and even prevent allergies. Dr. Bassett specializes in Allergy-Immunology in New York City and is affiliated with multiple hospitals which include Lenox Hill Hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center. Through the years I have referred many people including my family to Dr. B and his practice. He understands the importance of having a treatment plan that can accommodate one’s personal lifestyle. Dr. Bassett is definitely one of my favorite specialists, and remains a true expert in his field!
Shannon: How did you get started in your field?
Dr.Bassett: I developed trouble breathing and wheezing while on spring break in Ft. Lauderdale. I was treated in urgent care three days in a row. I had been staying in a bedroom where a cat’s litter box was kept, and it turns out I never knew I had a cat allergy. That’s when I started to think about a career as an allergist!
Are there specific allergies that men are more likely to suffer from?
Pre-adolescent boys generally have more seasonal allergies than girls. According to some research, men also may be more likely to suffer from life-threatening allergies to stinging honeybees, wasps, yellow jackets and/or hornets, as they are more likely to be exposed to outdoor work and play activities.
How can one tell the difference between a cold and allergies?
Cold symptoms generally develop abruptly, may last for seven to fourteen days, occur more commonly from late fall through winter in adults and be associated with cough and/or sore throat.
When it comes to allergies, the onset can be variable, gradual or immediate onset depending on exposure and level of one’s sensitivity. The familiar itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat and nasal congestion are commonly observed. Allergy medications such as antihistamines can relieve and/or prevent allergy misery but won’t really do very much for a cold or sinus infection.
How do you feel empowered in your line of work?
For the New Yorkers I see each year who suffer from allergies caused by a multitude of factors, I’m happy to say, there is always a solution! I have found a combination of allergy-fighting approaches with both traditional evidence-based treatments, as well as complementary and non-medication-based solutions that focus on our changing climate and environmental exposures to allow my patients to enjoy the great outdoors safely and allergy free!
