Mote researchers look at red tide's effect on humans

SARASOTA -- For years beachgoers have complained about red tide cutting into their time in the Gulf waters.

"When you came to the beach, your throat tickled, you coughed," beachgoer Vicki Lipka said. "It was like you had really bad allergies and it burned your eyes."

But thanks to volunteers and researchers like Dr. Lora Fleming at Mote Marine Laboratory, there are now results to back the complaints.

"We've been able to show one hour on the beach for people with asthma is enough to make their breathing function less, not as good," Fleming said.

Kae Lowe suffers from asthma, and she said she knows first-hand how difficult red tide can be.

"The smell was unbelievable and you had all the dead fish on the beach," she said. "People would come down to enjoy the beach, but you'd get red tide and couldn't come out here."

But after more than a decade, researchers found red tide's troubles also brings a treatment for cystic fibrosis.

"It's a whole new medication and works in a whole new different way," said Dr. Fleming. "It's being patented and they're starting initial testing."

Researchers said their next step is to get in touch with local hospitals and clinics to discuss their findings in hopes of helping medical staff better treat patients who are suffering from red tide-related conditions.

This story was originally published March 25, 2011 at 10:06 AM with the headline "Mote researchers look at red tide's effect on humans."